Fluctuations related to rainfall in richness and abundance of birds of steppic Mediterranean habitats

The existence of interannual variations in the richness and abundance of bird species breeding in pseudo-steppic Mediterranean areas is analysed and related to the important fluctuations that take place in rainfall, which in turn deeply influence vegetation growth. The hypothesis of food limitation as a key factor in determining population sizes, allows the prediction of the existence of positive correlations between these parameters.

Eduardo DE JUANA and Angela M. GARCIA, Ardeola, 52(1), June 2005, 53-66