Seasonal and interannual variation in waterbird abundance and species composition in the Melincu� saline lake, Argentina

Abstract

We conducted 14 bird surveys in the Melincueś aline lake from 1992 to 2002 (7 in winter and 7 in summer), and we detected 223,643 individuals belonging to 71 species from 17 families. The more abundant species were Fulica leucoptera, Larus maculipennis, Phoenicopterus chilensis, Plegadis chihi, Anas platalea, Himantopus mexicanus, and Rollandia rolland. Bird abundance was similar in winter and summer, whereas species composition differed between seasons. We recorded 65 species in summer and 59 in winter. P. chilensis and A. sibilatrix were more abundant in winter, whereas Ajaia ajaja, Phalacrocorax olivaceus, Ardea ibis, Sterna nilotica, Egretta thula, Mycteria americana, Charadrius collaris, A. versicolor, Calidris fuscicollis, and Ciconia maguari were more abundant in summer. Bird abundance in each survey was positively associated with the lake level. In summer surveys, the highest variation in species composition through the years was associated with water level fluctuations. Shorebirds predominated in those years with lower level, whereas the species that fed mainly on plants or vertebrates predominated in years with higher levels. Those species that fed on invertebrates (not shorebirds) and those that fed on invertebrates and plants predominated in years with intermediate level. The omnivorous species predominated in years of lower level. There were differences among transects in the proportion of different trophic groups. Short-term studies that do not take into account the particular dynamic of these systems may lead to erroneous generalisations. Thus, the long-term information of this study may be useful for management and conservation of species and system.

Agricultural ponds as alternative habitat for waterbirds: spatial and temporal patterns of abundance and management strategies

“…Waterbird populations in irrigation ponds displayed a general annual stability which contrasted with some more marked variations of the waterbird populations at natural wetlands (Martí andDel Moral 2003, 2004). This scenario differs from other artificial wetlands where annual variations in waterbirds abundance were more patent (Shimada et al 2000;Yallop et al 2004;Romano et al 2005).…”

Zooplankton characterisation of Pampean saline shallow lakes, habitat of the Andean flamingoes

“…In West Central Argentina, in Pampa de las Lagunas (southwestern Santa Fe and southern Córdoba provinces), there are several lowland saline wetlands embedded in a landscape where 70% of the area is used as grazing pastures and agricultural fields (Romano et al, 2005). Many of these shallow lakes are important habitats for two flamingoes species, the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis Molina) and the Andean flamingo [Phoenicoparrus andinus (Philippii)].…”

First records of Calidris canutus Linnaeus, 1758 (Charadriiformes, Scolopacidae) and Trogon surrucura Vieillot, 1817 (Trogoniformes, Trogonidae) for Entre Ríos province (Argentina), and noteworthy reports of other birds in protected areas

“…Calidris canutus is found almost exclusively in marine coasts, although there are records in inland water environments (Piersma et al 1996). For example, C. canutus was recorded in the continental Lagoons of Melincué and El Cristal, in the neighboring province of Santa Fe (Rozzatti and Mosso 1997, Blanco et al 2001, Romano et al 2005). This subspecies is found in southern South America (C. canutus rufa) migrates long distances, from the arctic tundra to Tierra del Fuego, making a few stops on its journey south (Piersma et al 1996).…”