Abstract

GARCIA-LAU, Ianela et al. Review of scientific studies on urban ornithology in Havana, Cuba. Hornero [online]. 2018, vol.33, n.1, pp.29-44. ISSN 0073-3407.

We analyze the level of knowledge of urban ornithology in Havana, Cuba, based on the compilation of papers published in scientific journals. We identified a total of 49 studies published between 1878 and 2016, mostly in local or regional journals (76%). Species lists and ecological studies were the most frequent research categories, while conservation studies were very scarce. The studies addressed basic aspects of knowledge and have been sporadic over the years. More than half were carried out during the 1980s and 1990s, period in which the first ecological studies that prevail until now appeared. Green spaces were the type of urban habitat with the highest number of species included in the compiled articles. Research conducted in sites located in the municipalities with the lowest population density predominated. We provide a list of 172 bird species for Havana from the compiled information. Urban ornithology in Havana is still a young discipline in number, impact and depth of research. Future studies should relate different biological, social, cultural and economic research lines that allow the development of effective management and conservation strategies for the avifauna within the city.

Keywords : Havana; Urban biodiversity; Urban birds; Urban ecology; Urbanization.

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