Abstract

Although urban ecological restoration projects are actively implemented in response to urbanization, research evaluating their ecological effects in relation to adjacent natural ecosystems remains limited. This study assessed the ecological impacts of an urban restoration project by comparing wild bird assemblage structures between the Mt. Sorasan Nature Garden (Jayeon-madang) project, an urban ecological restoration site in Iksan, South Korea, and its adjacent existing forest. The restoration site, in its early post-construction phase, had approximately 45% of its area planted with woody species, including pines. Wild bird surveys were conducted in both habitats over one year (May 2017-April 2018), followed by statistical analysis. Results showed significant differences in bird assemblage structure between the sites (permutational multivariate analysis of variance, P<0.001). The adjacent forest, supported by a stable, long-established woodland, exhibited higher species diversity (H’=3.07) and was characterized by foliage gleaners (e.g., Paridae) and bark/trunk foragers (e.g., Picidae). In contrast, the restoration site, with small trees and insufficient cover due to its recent establishment, had lower species diversity (H’=2.38) and limited influx of forest-dwelling birds. However, its open grasslands and wetlands provided feeding and resting habitats for aquatic and ground-foraging birds. In conclusion, although the early-stage restoration site remains functionally limited as a forest, it complements the adjacent forest by creating heterogeneous habitats, thereby enhancing overall urban avian diversity. This study highlights the need for future restoration efforts to extend beyond simple tree planting and incorporate long-term habitat management that accounts for vegetation succession processes.