Impact of Eucalyptus plantations on the avian breeding community in the East Usambaras, Tanzania

The nesting bird species in natural forests and Eucalyptus plantations on the Amani Plateau, East Usambara, were studied during the breeding season of September 2003 to March 2004. Some forest birds — like barbets, batis, broadbills, doves, flycatchers, greenbuls, hornbills, and tinkerbirds — utilised similar nest sites with respect to plant species or forest structure in both Eucalyptus plantations and natural forests. Very low densities of nests in Eucalyptus plantations indicate that forest bird species have mostly failed to adapt to this habitat. However, management practices may contribute to the low densities of nests in these plantations. A concerted effort should be made to protect the remaining natural forests and management of the Eucalyptus plantations should take the breeding seasons of local birds into account.