Bird diversity of the mangrove in an UMA of the Mexican tropics

Objective: To identifying bird species present in three mangrove sites at different stages of conservation: conserved, under development, and undergoing reforestation. Design/Methodology/Approach: Monitoring methods included direct and indirect observation, and the analysis of species richness, relative abundance, diversity, and dominance, using statistical tools such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Simpson's dominance index. Fieldwork was conducted at three sampling sites with distinct ecological characteristics. The first site, characterized by mature mangrove, maintained consistent connectivity with water, contributing to ecosystem stability. The second site was undergoing eutrophication, while the third site was in the process of reforestation. Each site included three observation points spaced 50 meters apart, allowing for the recording of both resident and migratory birds through visual sightings and vocalizations. Results: A total of 514 individuals representing 51 species, 12 orders, and 32 families were recorded. The Shannon-Wiener index indicated greater species evenness in the developing mangrove (H' = 3.018), suggesting a more balanced community. Simpson’s dominance index confirmed the presence of dominant species across all three sites, with Quiscalus mexicanus and Rostrhamus sociabilis being the most abundant. Findings/Conclusions: The Jaccard similarity coefficient showed moderate similarity between the conserved and reforested sites (CJ = 0.68), while the altered site exhibited lower similarity to the others.