Distribution of birds along an elevational gradient in the Atlantic forestof Brazil: implications for the conservation of endemic and endangered species

In this study I compare bird communities along an elevational gradient in a n Atlantic forest remnant (Pico do Corcovado in Ubatuba) in coastal Sao Pau lo state, Brazil. Forests at low elevations are structurally more complex a nd more diverse in plant species than those along the slopes and at higher elevations in this remnant. Consequently it is hypothesized that low elevat ion forests contain a greater diversity of bird species. Results from the s tudy in the Corcovado area show clear differences in the distribution of fo rest birds along the elevational gradient from both qualitative and quantit ative aspects. The structurally more complex forest at low elevations conta ins the most diverse avifauna, including several of the rarest and most thr eatened species. The importance of this remnant as a whole is apparent due to the high diversity observed (254 species), the high proportion of endemi c species, and the extent to which the avifauna is endangered. Protection o f forests at all elevations along the Serra do Mar is required to maintain diversity of bird species, particularly the many endemic and endangered spe cies restricted to specific elevations.