Salinity affects territory size of migratory Little Stint (Calidris minuta) (Aves: Limicolae)

Abstract

Sea shores are important habitats for waterbirds but also prime targets of human development. Habitat alterations can be off-set by alternative feeding habitats such as salt pans and understanding them is important for conservation purposes. We analysed the effect of salinity on the territory size of Little Stint (Calidris minuta) migrating across Eilat and stopover on adjacent salt pans, because the northern shoreline of the Red Sea has been completely developed. Mean territory size was 8.4 m and did not depend on season, age or body condition index, but was significantly connected with salinity levels. Mean territory size was smallest in the pond with the lowest salinity and biggest in the ponds with the highest salinity, which suggests that salinity levels are an important factor for migratory birds. The fact that Eilat is a hyper-arid zone with no alternative habitats to which the waterbirds can resort, make the salt pans of great conservation importance.