Synergistic effects of habitat configuration and land-use intensity shape the structure of bird assemblages in human-modified landscapes across three major neotropical biomes

Abstract Maximizing biodiversity persistence in heterogeneous human-modified landscapes is hindered by the complex interactions between habitat quality and configuration of native non-native habitats. Here we examined these considering avian diversity across 26 sampling sites, each which comprised three points located a gradient disturbance: core fragment, fragment edge, adjacent matrix. The 78 were further nested within neotropical biomes—Amazonia, Cerrado Pantanal—in central-western Brazil. Matrix type consisted cattle pastures Amazon teak plantations Pantanal Cerrado. We considered interactive effects (1) disturbance-context: core, edge matrix, (2) matrix type: tree plantation or pastures, both subject to varying land-use intensity, (3) (fragment size, shape isolation) on bird species richness, abundance composition. Based point-count surveys, recorded 210 species. Bird richness declined disturbance gradient, while genus composition only differed particularly cattle-pastures. effect area was positive but detected at edges. Overall increased sites characterized higher availability either relict trees pasture old-growth landscapes. fragments played primary role ensuring diversity, regardless size. In contrast likely harbour proportion forest-dependent can be enhanced reduced management intensity types. Strategies maximize should not include retaining habitats, also maximizing size Likewise, more structurally types encouraged maintaining low levels intensity.