Impact of forest cover loss on forest dependent avian species in Kenya

Abstract

Forests provide vital ecosystem services and support a significant proportion of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Despite their ecological importance, global deforestation has accelerated in recent decades, posing a grave threat to biodiversity. Birds within these ecosystems are particularly important for conservation efforts, as they serve as indicators of forest health and overall biodiversity. In this study, we examined the relationship between species richness and functional metrics of forest-dependent birds in Kenya, focusing on the impact of habitat degradation and deforestation. Our objective was to determine how forest loss influences species richness and functional diversity indices, potentially leading to increased functional biotic homogenization. Using citizen science data from the Kenya Bird Map, we classified birds into three categories: forest specialists, forest generalists, and forest visitors. Our findings revealed a decline in both taxonomic richness and functional diversity, alongside an increase in functional evenness in response to forest loss, supporting the hypothesis that deforestation drives biotic homogenization. Forest visitors displayed a heightened sensitivity to forest loss, likely due to the reduction of edge habitats and increased human disturbances, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies. Our results underscore the critical role that policies like the Kenyan Forest Policy Act can play in mitigating anthropogenic pressures on forests. By highlighting the importance of preserving mature forests and maintaining forested lands, our study emphasizes how such policies could support biodiversity conservation and sustain essential ecosystem functions within Kenya's diverse forest ecosystems.