Factors influencing avian species composition in the green road along the Tamagawa Josui Aqueduct

Abstract

Ecological network is regarded as a possible way to improve biodiversity in urban landscapes. Though linear vegetated spaces such as greenways and wooded streets are often considered to be important components of urban ecological network, the ecological functions of such linear vegetated spaces have not been clarified well. In the present study, the relationship between avian species composition and vegetation structure were studied in the green road along the Tamagawa Josui Aqueduct during a wintering season and a breeding season. Movements of the observed individuals were also recorded. The results indicated that the avian species composition varied with tree vegetation cover. Landscape scale factors such as woodland area within 500m range and NDVI within 500m range were also influential. Distance from the nearest large woodland was important only in the breeding season while water area within 500m range was important only in winter. Most urban avoider species and some urban adapter species tended to move within the vegetated area along the aqueduct, which indicates that the linear vegetated area could play a role as movement corridor for the species.