Spatial and temporal fluctuations in presence and use of chironomid prey by shorebirds in the Odiel saltpans, south-west Spain |
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Authors: | Marta I Sánchez Andy J Green Eloy M Castellanos |
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Institution: | (1) Génétique et Evolution des Maladies Infectieuses, UMR CNRS/IRD 2724 IRD - 911 avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier cedex 5, France;(2) Departamento de Biología Ambiental y Salúd pública, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva. Ctra., Palos de la Frontera s/n, E-21017 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain |
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Abstract: | We studied the seasonal variation in abundance and distribution of shorebirds and chironomid Chironomus salinarius larvae in both traditional and industrial salines in the Odiel marshes, south-west Spain, in 2001. We selected 12 ponds that
were representative of the different phases of the salt production process. The benthic chironomids were sampled in each pond
every 2 months, and the birds were counted weekly. Chironomid larvae were most abundant in spring and autumn, and in the ponds
of lower salinity. The density of larvae averaged 7023 ± 392 m−2 (±SE) over the six sampling events. Shorebirds were always more abundant at high tide than at low tide, and were especially
abundant during the spring and autumn migration periods when up to 20,775 birds were counted. A total of 24 species were recorded,
six of which were present in internationally important numbers. The salines were especially important as foraging and roosting
habitat during migration. The percentage of birds that were feeding in the ponds was positively correlated with the abundance
of chironomid larvae at accessible depths. The number of feeding birds was also higher in ponds with more chironomid larvae
available. Despite more intensive management, industrial salines held higher densities of birds and a similar abundance of
chironomids when compared with traditional salines. |
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Keywords: | saltpans Chironomus salinarius salinity shorebirds foraging habitat Odiel marshes |
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