Agroforestry, Avian Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services: Current Links and Perspectives

Agroforestry systems occupy a unique intersection between agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation, providing a fertile ground for natural history research. Within these landscapes, the interactions between avian communities and agroecosystems create a complex web of relationships that sustain both ecosystem function and biodiversity. Recent studies reveal that birds not only enrich agroforestry habitats through their ecological roles—such as pest control, seed dispersal, and pollination—but also act as vital indicators of ecosystem integrity. Despite such knowledge, there remain significant gaps in understanding the nuances of bird–habitat associations in agroforestry settings, the mechanisms underpinning these interactions, and the consequences of changing land management practices. Ongoing debates focus on reconciling yield optimization with the need for habitat heterogeneity that supports diverse bird assemblages, and research increasingly calls for nuanced, context-specific perspectives grounded in the close observation of organisms within their environments.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how avian diversity and ecosystem services can be meaningfully integrated into agroforestry systems by prioritizing natural history insights. Key objectives include examining the mechanisms by which birds contribute to agroecosystem health, exploring the natural history traits that underpin ecosystem service provision, and evaluating management approaches through the lens of bird ecology and behavior. By fostering studies that draw on field observation, ecological monitoring, and case-based synthesis, this collection endeavors to bridge the gap between detailed organismal knowledge and the practical management of diverse agricultural systems.Our scope encompasses original research, reviews, and case studies related to avian diversity and ecosystem services within agroforestry systems, with an emphasis on natural history approaches. We particularly welcome contributions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:-The influence of agroforestry practices on bird diversity, behavior, and ecosystem health-Enhancement of ecosystem services via bird-mediated processes in agricultural landscapes-The utility of birds as indicators of ecological integrity within agroforestry environments-Case studies documenting biodiversity integration and its outcomes in agroforestry-Responses of avian assemblages to changing land use, management regimes, and landscape heterogeneity Topic editors: Roberto Carlos Almazán Núñez, Thabiso Mokotjomela Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75221/agroforestry-avian-biodiversity-and-ecosystem-services-current-links-and-perspectives