Bird species of black water inundation forests in the Jau National Park (Amazonas state, Brazil): their contribution to regional species richness

We compared the relative contribution of blackwater inundation forest (igap o) and unflooded (terra firme) forest for regional bird species diversity i n the lower Rio Negro region. For analyses of habitat preference we used mi st-net samples and an unpublished bird species check-list. The igapo forest had lower bird species diversity than the terra firme forest. However, som e 14% of the forest bird species in the region are restricted to igapo fore st. Species composition was found to be distinct between the understories o f the two forest types. Common forest bird guilds in the Neotropics such as ant-following birds avoid igapo forest. The differential habitat selection among birds in the inundated and unflooded forest is likely to result from vegetation structure and biological interactions such as aggressive behavi our. Since the inundated forest has a typical biota, conservation efforts n eeds to be directed to protect these habitats. Unfortunately, inundation fo rests are threatened by several human actions, especially dam construction. The extent of protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon is insufficient for the adequate protection of the inundated habitats, because it includes only 3% of the total area.