Effects of Ligustrum sinense Lour. (Chinese Privet) on Abundance and Diversity of Songbirds and Native Plants in a Southeastern Nature Preserve

Abstract

Invasive plant species can have substantial negative impacts on native flora and fauna. We investigated the effects of the invasive shrub Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) on the abundance and diversity of songbirds in a southeastern forest during summer, fall, and winter. We sampled 15-m × 15-m plots assigned to one of three privet density categories (low, n = 5; medium, n = 4; high, n = 5). In addition, we sampled all flora in each plot. Bird abundance and species richness varied only during the winter, both increasing in high privet density. In general, the behaviors and types of birds did not differ among privet-density categories. In contrast, abundance and richness of native plants were reduced in high privet-density plots. Our results suggest that removal of privet would improve native plant communities, while having no substantial impact on songbird populations.