Interactions in restored mining spaces: vegetation and bird fauna

Abstract

Jorba, M., Ninot, J.M., Bracho, C.A. 2019. Interactions in restored mining spaces: vegetation and bird fauna. Ecosistemas 28(1): 78-81. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1756

Mining activities produce deeply denudated areas that must be restored towards functional and self-sustainable ecosystems. This includes making up new land morphology with efficient drainage network and acceptable soil, and promoting plant succession and the incorporation of different faunal groups; which finally should facilitate the biotic and abiotic relationships sustaining those ecosystems. The amount and composition of faunal communities is a key descriptor of the faunal biotopes and trophic opportunities achieved. Moreover, some of these communities nourish plant dissemination and vegetation complexity. Here, we refer to five different mining areas restored 15 years ago, which have developed into distinct vegetation mosaics. Both the spontaneous recruitment of woody species and the censuses of bird fauna are indicative of relationships between vegetation and bird groups. Overall, they suggest that the early recreation of contrasted habitats mosaics, including forest elements, enhance the self-sustainability and complexity of the young restored ecosystems.