Energy flux, body size and density in relation to bird species richness along an elevational gradient in Taiwan

Aim To examine the species richness of breeding birds along a local elevational gradient and to test the following assumptions of the energy limitation hypothesis: (1) the energy flux through birds is positively correlated with above-ground net primary productivity, (2) bird density is positively correlated with total energy flux, and (3) bird species richness is positively correlated with bird density.

Location An elevational gradient from 1400 to 3700 m on Mt. Yushan, the highest mountain in Taiwan (23°28′30″ N, 120°54′00″ E), with a peak of 3952 m a.s.l.

Methods We established 50 sampling stations along the elevational gradient. From March to July 1992, we estimated the density of each bird species using the variable circular-plot method. Above-ground net primary productivity was modelled using monthly averages from weather data for the years 1961–90.

Results Bird species richness had a hump-shaped relationship with elevation and with net primary productivity. Bird energy flux was positively correlated with net primary productivity and bird species richness was positively correlated with bird density. The relationship between bird density and energy flux was hump-shaped, which does not support one assumption of the energy limitation hypothesis.

Main conclusions The results supported two essential assumptions of the energy limitation hypothesis. However, when energy availability exceeded a certain level, it could decrease species richness by increasing individual energy consumption, which reduced bird density. Thus, energy availability is a primary factor influencing bird species richness at this scale, but other factors, such as body size, could also play important roles.