Ecological restoration: perspectives for bird conservation in Colombia

Abstract

Ecological restoration arises from the need to assist ecosystems that have been transformed by human beings, improving their conditions and facilitating ecological succession. Birds, which respond to the changes that occur due to restoration actions, can participate as indicator species of the effects of restoration processes and functional diversity in the ecosystem. In this sense, restoration processes can represent, in turn, a strategy for the conservation of avifauna, contributing to the increase of plant species diversity, connectivity between remaining areas of forest in transformed matrices, and the establishment of corridors. Among the most used strategies with birds are the use of perches and nucleation to favor the succession of areas close to forest remnants. In this context, and with the purpose of highlighting the importance of ecological restoration actions and their contribution to the conservation of vulnerable and endemic birds in some ecosystems of the country, this article raises three topics for reflection from some case studies: (1) the importance of ecological restoration for bird conservation; (2) the participation of birds in ecological restoration processes, and (3) the contribution of birds as indicators in ecological restoration processes. The reflection ends by pointing out the importance of continuing with the research and monitoring of bird communities in ecological restoration processes.