Bird responses at inherent and induced edges in the Murray Mallee, South Australia. 1. Differences in abundance and diversity

We quantified differences in the abundance and diversity of bird species at inherent (naturally occurring) and induced (human-created) edges in the Mu rray Mallee, South Australia, to explore the effects of anthropogenic lands cape modification. Bird species were classified into edge response categori es based on numerical differences in abundance between the edge and interio r of habitat patches. 'Open-country' species (e.g. Australian Magpie and Li ttle Raven) increased in abundance near induced edges, but were rarely reco rded > 200 m into patch interiors or at inherent edges. The Australian Ring neck, Red Wattlebird, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater and Whit e-eared Honeyeater increased in abundance near each inherent edge and were classified as 'edge-users'. However, their responses at induced edges varie d between sites. The Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote, White-bro wed Babbler, Chestnut Quail-thrush and Southern Scrub-robin decreased in ab undance near one or more induced edges and were classified as 'edge-avoider s' at these sites. The Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote, Chestnu t Quail-thrush and Southern Scrub-robin are considered mallee habitat speci alists in eastern Australia. These species may be particularly affected by anthropogenic modification of mallee vegetation.