Impact of native plants on bird and butterfly biodiversity in suburban landscapes

Burghardt, K. T., Tallamy, D. W., & Gregory Shriver, W. (2009). Impact of native plants on bird and butterfly biodiversity in suburban landscapes. Conservation Biology, 23(1), 219-224. PDF.

Summary

In suburban habitats, people often plant their yards with a mix of native and non-native plants. While these non-native plants are often seen favorably, and may not act invasive, they can have impacts on native animals. In this study, Burghardt et al. estimated native lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and bird diversity at paired plots of conventionally landscaped (mix of native and non-native plant) vs. homes landscaped with only native plants. They found that abundance and diversity of native lepidoptera and breeding birds were significantly greater in yards with higher percentages of native plants. They suggest that this is because many insects can only feed on plants with a similar evolutionary history, and birds, particularly insectivorous birds during breeding seasons, are highly dependent on caterpillar populations. The authors conclude that homeowners can positively impact native caterpillar and bird abundance by planting more native species.

Take home points

• Lepidoptera and bird abundance and diversity are enhanced by the presence native plant species in suburban landscapes. 

• This relationship is likely due to bottom up controls, meaning that lepidoptera abundance is limited by plant food availability, and birds are limited by insect food availability. 

Management implications

• To increase native lepidoptera and bird abundance and diversity, homeowners should increase the proportion on native plants in their yards.

Keywords

Impact Study; Observation; Invasive Plant; Terrestrial Habitat