Now more than ever, we need your support. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today!
Bird Friendly Farm Criteria
Concept | Criteria |
---|---|
Height of canopy |
≥12 meters for the canopy of the stratum made by the native “backbone” species (usually an Inga spp.) |
Foliage cover |
≥40 percent, measured during dry season after pruning |
Floristic diversity of trees and wood shrubs | ≥10 woody species (in addition to the backbone species). At least 10 of these should represent 1 percent or more of all individuals sampled, and be dispersed throughout the coffee holding. Backbone species must be native to region. |
Total floristic diversity |
The sum of all woody and herbaceous species counted in the sampling. |
Structural diversity |
The “architecture” or profile of the coffee farm should show evidence of some layers or strata—preferably three. |
Leaf litter | Should be present; no minimum percentage required, but, together with living ground cover, soil needs protecting (as with organic criteria). |
Weeds/herbs/forbs |
Should be present; no minimum percentage required. |
Living fences | Where appropriate and feasible, should be present. |
Buffer zones along waterways | Should exist and be composed of native vegetation. Along streams they should measure ≥5 meters wide (one each side); for rivers they should be ≥10 meters wide. |
Visual characterization (gestalt) |
Should qualify at least for the category “traditional polyculture” (the more diverse category of the polyculture systems). |
Organic certification | Must have current organic certification by a USDA-accredited certification agency |
Los criterios de amigable a los aves en un solo vistazo en Español.