Project Monitoring of the recovery of the Upper Delta wetland of the Paraná River after the 2020 fires. Abundance and diversity of birds

Introduction: 

Birds are vertebrate animals generally adapted to flight, although many can also run, jump, swim, and dive. They are the most easily observed vertebrates, which are found throughout the world and in all habitats, both in the sky, as well as in freshwater and marine environments, deserts, jungles and grasslands. Birds depend on a range of diverse habitats, and the threats they face vary accordingly. 

They constitute the most diverse group of vertebrates in the Paraná River Delta since species from different places converge in this region (Biasatti et al. 2016). On the one hand we have Amazonian species such as the Whistling Spider (Myiothlypis leucoblephara) and the Dirty-faced Mosqueta (Phylloscartes ventralis), on the other, typical species of the Pampas region such as the brown curutié (Limnoctites sulphuriferus) and the country inambú (Nothura maculosa). As well as species from Chaco such as the cardón woodpecker and the barred woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum and Picumnus cirratus, respectively), the small pepitero (Saltatricula multicolor) and the golden-eyed titiriji (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) (Biasatti et al. 2016). This region also represents an important habitat for migratory species, such as the Striped Sandpiper (Myiodynastes maculatus) that visits the Delta area in the warm semester (September to March), as well as the White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), a shorebird migratory nesting in the northern hemisphere.

Some 260 species of non-passerine birds are registered here (Kandus and Quintana 2016), many of which are classified as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, such as the white-breasted capuchin ( Sporophila palustris). 

Objectives: 

In this pilot test, a first approximation of the diversity, richness and abundance of birds will be carried out through comparative sampling in burned and unburned areas. It is expected to obtain different diversity indices to later compare them throughout the census dates. 

Methodology

In each site pre-identified from satellite images (September 2020) as "burned site" and "non-burned site", a 2 km transect with 10 count points will be located. Each point will be separated from the next by a distance of 200 meters. In each of them, all birds seen and heard within a fixed radius of 50 meters will be identified and recorded during a period of 10 minutes (Ralph et al. 1996; Bibby et al. 2000). The counts will be carried out during the first four hours after sunrise and the order in which the points and zones will be sampled will be alternated in each campaign, to avoid the possible effects of the time of day (Verner and Milne 1989). Counts will not be carried out in adverse weather conditions of rain and strong wind (Ralph et al. 1996). Two samplings will be carried out per season (spring-summer-autumn-winter).

Related

Director: Julia Gastaudo.

Members: Caterina Barisón and Jorgelina Asmus.

Spaces/Institutions/Academic Units: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNR)

Contact

juliagastaudo@gmail.com