Agroforestry coffee systems in Brazil support bird biodiversity

Research conducted in the Araponga municipality of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has evaluated the impact of different coffee cultivation methods on vegetation structure and frugivorous bird diversity. The study compared organic agroforestry systems (SAFN and SAFO) against organic full-sun and conventional full-sun methods.

Results indicated that organic agroforestry systems using natural agriculture (SAFN) exhibited the highest floristic richness, diversity, and structural complexity. Key plant species identified as important food sources for birds included Cecropia glaziovii, Hyptidendron asperrimum, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, and Myrsine coriacea.

Observations recorded 17 bird species, with the SAFN system showing the highest frequency of feeding episodes. Notably, agroforestry systems were the only environments where medium and large birds, such as Psittacara leucophthalmus, Primolius maracana, and Pteroglossus aracari, were recorded. The findings suggest that increasing plant diversity and native tree presence in coffee plantations supports the maintenance of local bird populations.