Habitat selection, occupancy and density of threatened birds in a tropical forest fragment of the Northern Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Understanding the mechanisms underlying habitat selection, occupancy, and population dynamics is essential to identify key habitat variables that support species persistence, shape spatial behavior, and guide effective conservation strategies. In the present study, we provide the first population estimates for six threatened avian taxa in the extreme north of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and identify habitat-associated factors that may influence their occupancy within an isolated forest fragment located in one of the most threatened portions of this important biodiversity hotspot. Data were collected between September 2022 and February 2023. The occupancy probabilities of the study taxa were differentially influenced by environmental parameters—some were most affected by aspects of forest structure, such as tree height or density; others were associated with distance from the forest edge or proximity to watercourses; and in one case, we found a positive relationship with the forest’s relative humidity. We obtained the following population density estimates: Xiphorhynchus atlanticus (0.43 ind./ha); Platyrinchus mystaceus niveigularis (0.45 ind./ha); Momotus momota marcgravianus (0.60 ind./ha); Automolus lammi (0.67 ind./ha); Pyriglena pernambucensis (0.79 ind./ha); and Xenops minutus alagoanus (1.33 ind./ha). These densities are low compared to values reported in other studies. Based on these results, we recommend local-scale conservation actions including: (i) planting native late-successional species; (ii) restoring connectivity among forest fragments, with priority given to areas along watercourses; (iii) establishing ecological corridors and metapopulation mosaics; and (iv) promoting environmental education to engage local communities in forest management.