SAMPLING PROTOCOL FOR BIRDS IN RAPELD PLOTS
Keywords:
Avifauna, biodiversity monitoring, fixed points, point counts, mist nets, PPBioAbstract
Monitoring biodiversity to understand changes over time and space is one of the main purposes of the RAPELD method. Ensuring data reliability requires standardized data collection methods for each group investigated. Birds are excellent models for ecological studies, as many species serve as indicators of environmental quality. This work aims to standardize bird data collection in RAPELD plots, updating the protocol for understory bird surveys through mist-netting and incorporating a point-count sampling method. Understory bird sampling with mist nets involves the distribution of 13 10-meter nets per plot, with guidance on adjusting for different net sizes, as well as specifications on essential data to be collected for each bird captured, such as morphometric measurements and banding. It also includes practical suggestions to improve sampling success. In the point-count method, a central point per plot is established (distance 125 m), with 10 minutes of sampling per point; up to five points are surveyed daily (one per plot), starting at dawn with the shortest possible interval between points. Standardized data collection, even with different researchers and objectives, enables the creation of data series that can be used in future research, facilitating scientific integration and comparison across different regions of Brazil.