Abstract

VELEZ-MENDOZA, Anubis; RODRIGUEZ, María José  and  MERCADO-ARAUJO, Andrea. Uses of the tree Azadirachta indica a. Juss by birds in three locations of the department of Atlántico, Colombia. rev. cienc. [online]. 2020, vol.24, n.1, e10628.  Epub Nov 17, 2020. ISSN 0121-1935.  https://doi.org/10.25100/rc.v24i1.10628.

Colombia has the highest number of registered birds and ranks second in biodiversity of plant species after Brazil. Also, this country presents optimal conditions for the invasive species Azadirachta indica, known as neem, a tree introduced for its insecticidal properties, medicinal uses, and ecological restoration projects. However, it is unknown which ecological functions would be. By now, it has been recorded certain species of birds consuming the fruits. This work provides information on possible activities carried out by urban birds with the neem tree. The research was carried out between October and November 2015, delimiting three areas located in San Salvador (Barranquilla), El Concord (Malambo), and the northern headquarters of the Universidad del Atlántico (Barranquilla). The fixed-point sampling method was used for two observation moments: sunrise (07:00 - 08:00 hours) and sunset (16:00 - 17:00 hours). We observed twelve species of birds using or exploiting the neem tree: perch, rest, song, grooming, and consumption of the fruit. We concluded that A. indica tree has been incorporated into the activities of birds in the urban environment, mainly as a place of rest and temporary stay. To a lesser extent, it can be a food source for certain species with omnivorous diets or diets focused on fruits and seeds.

Keywords : Neem; urban environment; birds; sightings; uses.

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