Habitat preferences of the forest birds on the island of Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea

The forests of southwest Prı́ncipe are recognized as important for biodiversity conservation. Here, we study the distribution and density of fifteen of the island’s endemic bird species (including three Globally Threatened and one Near-Threatened) within the National Park. The endemic subspecies of the Near-Threatened Gulf of Guinea thrush occurred at a density of 0.08 birds ha, which is far lower than its sister subspecies on the neighbouring island of São Tomé. We also present evidence that the effects of access routes around the protected area exert an influence on bird species within the National Park. The grey parrot, which still suffers from illegal hunting, was more likely to be encountered further away from roads, with 25% of variation in its occurrence explained by distance to the nearest road. In addition, the occurrence of all four threatened species was more likely further from access routes. Careful consideration must therefore be given to the potential impacts within the National Park of developments outside the currently protected area.