Waterbirds

1. Recent national and international policy initiatives have aimed to reduce the exposure of humans and wildlife to lead from ammunition. Despite restrictions, in the UK, lead ammunition remains the most widespread source of environmental lead contamination to which wildlife may be exposed. 2. The risks arising from the use of lead ammunition and the measures taken to mitigate these have prompted intense and sometimes acrimonious discussion between stakeholder groups, including those advancing the interests of shooting, wildlife conservation, public health and animal welfare. 3. However, relatively little is known of the perspectives of individual ammunition users, despite their role in adding lead to the environment and their pivotal place in any potential changes to practice. Using Q-methodology, we identified the perspectives of ammunition users in the UK on lead ammunition in an effort to bring forward evidence from these key stakeholders. 4. Views were characterised by two stat...

The eighth international census of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus wintering in Britain, Ireland and Iceland (also including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) took place in January 2020, to update the estimates of the size, midwinter distribution, habitat use and breeding success of the Icelandic Whooper Swan population. The total of 43,255 swans counted represented a 27.2% increase in numbers since the previous census in 2015. Overall, 36.8% of the population (15,927 birds) was recorded in England, 33.4% (14,467) in the Republic of Ireland, 11.7% (5,052) in Scotland, 10.7% (4,644) in Northern Ireland and 6.8% (2,923) in Iceland, with < 1% (242) in Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands combined. Despite numbers increasing in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland since 2015, the proportion of the total population in the Republic of Ireland was significantly lower in 2020 and no significant difference was detected for Northern Ireland, whereas proportions in England and Scotland were significantly higher in 2020 and lower in Iceland. Breeding success was not associated with temperatures on either the breeding or wintering grounds. It also showed no clear trend over time, suggesting that increased survival may be the demographic driver of the population growth.

Birds encounter climate at the scale of microclimates that can vary rapidly in time and space and so understanding potential vulnerability and adaptations to those microclimates requires fine‐scale measurements that accurately track thermal exposures. However, few options exist for recording the microclimates actually experienced by birds (realized microclimates). We constructed and tested a simple, low‐cost, temperature logger for recording the realized microclimates of ground‐nesting birds. We developed attachment protocols for band‐mounting Thermochron iButtons on Ring‐billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) chicks. We tested these mounted, temperature‐logging devices on 20 chicks weighing > 200 g (device weight was 4 g), attaching devices for 48 h and observing behavior before and after attachment and removal. Devices recorded temperature immediately surrounding the leg at 2‐min intervals. Recorded temperatures were strong predictors of observed thermoregulatory behaviors (panting and sitting), outperforming predictions based on air temperatures measured by basic, static approaches. Through comparison with matched controls (chicks with just a band), we detected no adverse physiological effects of devices, no effects on social or feeding behavior, and only a short‐term decrease in inactivity immediately after device attachment (likely due to increased preening). By attaching iButtons to the legs of birds, we quantified realized thermal exposure, integrating air temperature, modes of environmental heat transfer, and bird behavior at microclimatic scales. Although not yet validated for broader use, our approach (including possible miniaturization) should be suitable to measure thermal exposure of adults, not just chicks, allowing collection of data concerning thermal exposures during flight under field conditions. At ~ $25 USD per device, our approach facilitates experimental protocols with robust sample sizes, even for relatively modest budgets.

There is now abundant evidence that contemporary climatic change has indirectly affected a wide-range of species by changing trophic interactions, competition, epidemiology and habitat. However, direct physiological impacts of changing climates are rarely reported for endothermic species, despite being commonly reported for ectotherms. We review the evidence for changing physiological constraints on endothermic vertebrates at high temperatures, integrating theoretical and empirical perspectives on the morphology, physiology and behavior of marine birds. Potential for increasing heat stress exposure depends on changes in multiple environmental variables, not just air temperature, as well as organism-specific morphology, physiology and behavior. Endotherms breeding at high latitudes are vulnerable to the forecast, extensive temperature changes because of the adaptations they possess to minimize heat loss. Low-latitude species will also be challenged as they currently live close to their thermal limits and will likely suffer future water shortages. Small, highly-active species, particularly aerial foragers, are acutely vulnerable as they are least able to dissipate heat at high temperatures. Overall, direct physiological impacts of climatic change appear underrepresented in the published literature, but available data suggest they have much potential to shape behavior, morphology and distribution of endothermic species. Coincidence between future heat stress events and other energetic constraints on endotherms remains largely unexplored but will be key in determining the physiological impacts of climatic change. Multi-scale, biophysical modeling, informed by experiments that quantify thermoregulatory responses of endotherms to heat stress, is an essential precursor to urgently-needed analyses at the population or species level.

Wetland restoration is increasingly important to reverse habitat degradation, recover ecosystem services, and maintain biodiversity. To aid project design, more information is required on the influence of wetland size, depth of water, and isolation on the waterbird communities that become established. During a restoration project in Doñana, one of the Europe's most important wetland complexes, an experimental network of 96 temporary ponds with standard shape but variable size, water depth, and isolation was created. We surveyed the waterbird community in spring from 2006 to 2008 and related species abundance and richness to abiotic pond characteristics. We also performed analyses pooling species by foraging guilds or body size. Waterbird abundance and species richness were highest in 2007, the wettest year when the ponds had longer hydroperiods. Larger ponds had consistently higher abundance and species richness for the entire community and for different guilds and body sizes. Moreover, the density of birds per hectare was higher in large ponds than in the smaller ones. Pond isolation and excavated depth did not affect overall abundance and richness, although opposing effects of depth were observed on some size classes, and ducks and large birds preferred isolated ponds. Some bird groups preferred ponds at a particular location. This is the first waterbird study to address the importance of pond size, depth, and isolation independently of confounding variables such as pond shape. It illustrates the varied responses from different bird groups and demonstrates the importance of varying depth, location, and isolation to enhance community abundance and diversity.

We describe four methods to capture Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and estimated its efficiency in Talcahuano, Chile. The four methods were: (i) hand-net, (ii) sliding bow lasso, (iii) pliable arch, and (iv) adapted Bal-chatri. The most successful method was the adapted Bal-chatri followed by the sliding bow lasso. The hand-net and the pliable arch were the least efficient methods. The efficiency of these methods diminished after the first capture seemingly due to rapid learning by the gulls. We also comment on the gull’s behavioral displays during capture events.

En el conjunto de humedales andaluces censados se ha registrado la reproducción de 56 especies de aves acuáticas sumando un total de 96.130 ejemplares. Los grupos tróficos más numerosos fueron las GAV, las GAR y los LIM, con 38%, 30%, y 24% del total de los efectivos reproductores respectivamente, . De las 56 especies de aves acuáticas con reproducción confirmada en 2013, siete están incluidas en el Plan de Recuperación y Conservación de Aves de Humedales y 38 en el Listado de Especies en Régimen de Protección Especial (D23/2012) (En Peligro: 6; Vulnerable: 1; LESPE: 31).
El resto (18) se consideran No Amenazadas (NA) por no incluirse en el citado Catálogo. Entre las especies más abundantes destaca con gran diferencia del resto el flamenco común (Phoenicopterus roseus) con 34.057 parejas (35,4% del total) que en 2013 ha conseguido su máximo valor de reproducción en Andalucía desde 1985, que se tienen datos. Tras esta especie otras abundantes son las coloniales, como es el caso del morito común (Plegadis falcilellus) con 8.199 parejas (8,5%) o la garcilla bueyera (Bubulcus ibis) con 6.784 parejas (7,1%).
También destacan otros limícolas como la cigüeñuela común (Himantopus himantopus) o la avoceta común (Recurvirostra avosetta) con 7.140 parejas y 3.349 parejas respectiva-mente, principalmente por las colonias de dentro del Espacio Natural de Doñana (END).
En los 171 humedales en los que se ha detectado reproducción de aves acuáti-cas, se observa de forma general un patrón típico de años húmedos, en el que Do-ñana es el humedal más abundante en parejas y más rico en especies (44 especies con 37.334 parejas y que suponen el 38,8% del total regional), seguido por la Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (MA) (27.515 parejas; 24 sp; 28,6%) que está muy condicionado por el éxito de la colonia de flamenco común (26.806 parejas en 2013). El resto de parejas andaluzas se concentran principalmente en marismas de Cádiz y Huelva, destacando Bahía de Cádiz (5.864 pp; 20 sp; 6,1%), Marismas del Odiel (3.745 pp; 30 sp; 3,9%), Marismas de Trebujena-Sanlúcar (3.688 pp; 29 sp; 3,8%), Arrozales de la Janda (2.751 pp.;13 sp.; 2,9%) y Marismas de las Mesas (2.179 pp.; 14 sp.; 2,3%). Entre los 7 humedales citados se concentra el 86,4% de la población reproductora de 2013 en Andalucía. Los humedales de la costa de Almería aunque es la zona que me-nos parejas aporta al conjunto andaluz (2.926 pp; 3,0%), destaca por su alta riqueza de especies (36 sp). Muchos de sus espacios se sitúan en la costa, lo que confirma que los humedales más ocupados por las aves acuáticas en Andalucía se distribuyen por el lito-ral. Por otro lado la importancia de Fuente de Piedra y Doñana está supeditada por las precipitaciones caídas en los meses previos a la primavera. El año hidrológico 2012-13 (Estación meteorológica del Palacio de Doñana), se ha caracterizado por una esca-sez de precipitaciones en diciembre y un pico de lluvias en los meses de febre-ro y marzo, que aunque no ha seguido el patrón marcado por la serie histórica (desde 1979), ha sido suficiente para generar condiciones apropiadas en la mayoría de los humedales.
Los humedales marismeños, aunque mantienen cierta independencia de las precipitacio-nes por el aporte hídrico mareal, requieren también de precipitaciones para su óptimo funcionamiento. En cuanto a la tendencia de la población reproductora de aves acuáti-cas, sólo se puede analizar la abundancia total a nivel regional a partir de 2007 al no disponer del número de parejas de especies no amenazadas en Doñana antes de esa fecha.
Sin tener en cuenta el END, en el conjunto de todas las provincias, la población repro-ductora muestra un incremento moderado entre 2004 y 2013 del 2,8% anual (Std. err. 0,0006; p<0,01). Considerado el Espacio Natural de Doñana y sólo el periodo 2007-2013, los efectivos reproductores totales muestran un leve incremen-to del 0,6% anual (Std.err= 0,0008; p<0,01). Para la riqueza de especies se valora una comportamiento similar, con una estabilidad en el periodo 2004-2013 para los datos sin Doñana (Std.err= 0,0157) e incierto para el periodo 2007-2013 con los datos del END (Std.err= 0,0258), posiblemente por no disponerse de una serie temporal suficientemen-te larga para esta variable.
En el periodo 2007-2013 las tendencias de los diferentes grupos tróficos son positivas para cinco grupos: flamencos (+25,4% anual; Std.err=0,0037; p<0,01), rapaces (+4,3%; std.err. 0.020; p<0,01), somormujos y afines (+2,3 %; Std.err. 0,0057; p<0,01), anátidas (+2,1%; Std.err. 0,0047; p<0,01) y garzas y cigüeñas (+1,8%; Std.err. 0,0015; p<0,01). Por otro lado hay tres grupos que presentan tendencias negati-vas: limícolas (- 1,1% anual; Error estándar 0,0017; p<0,01), gaviotas y afines (-3,9%; Std.err. 0,0016; p<0,01) y con el mayor declive las fochas y afines (-9,8%; Std.err. 0,0041; p<0,01). No se ha observado una tendencia significativa para la serie 2007-2013 de abundancia de los cormoranes en Andalucía. Hay que tener en cuenta que este grupo trófico se compone de una sola especie, el cormorán grande (Phalacrocorax carbo), que se reproduce en humedales que no están incluidos en el seguimiento de aves acuáticas, ya que salvo para esta especie, carecen de importancia para las aves acuáticas. Por tan-to, la población reproductora de cormorán incluida en este informe es una subestimación de la población existente.

Le Chott de Djendli (3700 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides Sud-constantinoises. L’étude menée de février 2006 à mars 2007 nous a permis la caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Elle nous a également permis d’avoir un aperçu sur son importance, en étudiant et en suivant plusieurs paramètres physico-chimiques du sol et de l’eau ainsi que la richesse floristique et faunistique. En effet, nous avons déterminé le…

There were 78 bird species, belonging to 17 families, for a total of 75,906 individuals. 48 species are migratory, 16 species are resident. Two species are passers-by, Stilt Sandpiper and Wilson's Phalarope, and two species have an undetermined status, these are Ruddy Duck and Southern Lapwing. On the other hand, there are 10 migratory species that also have resident populations, being adjudged to them both categories: resident and migratory. The Anatidae family had the highest number of specimens with Blue-winged Teal (10,794), Lesser Scaup (7034), Black-bellied Whistling-duck (4,739) and Northern Shoveler (4,109). Other species with high numbers of individuals were: Western Sandpiper (7,003), Neotropic Cormorant (5,439) and Laughing Gull (4,092). The results by site, indicate the great importance of the Gulf of Fonseca region as a shelter for shorebirds, but above all exposes the Bay of La Union and the estuary El Tamarindo, as the most important sites for these birds at the national level. Both sites have been proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention. Twenty bird watchers participated. As an additional result, one of the groups found Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) in the El Jocotal lagoon, which is a new species for the avifauna of El Salvador. The results of the Census have contributed to a better understanding of the conservation status of waterbirds in the country and to better define their status as resident, migratory or transient species.

Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were undertaken  on Tonle Sap Lake and  the adjacent flooded  forest between  21 February  and 30 May 1996. Security concerns prohibited access  to a
number of locations on the  lake, and restricted  access  into  the interior of the flooded forest  at virtually  all localities. Field surveys  became  largely confined  to waterways in which the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces maintained  control.  Identification  of conservation priorities  following initial surveys  resulted in work being focused in the extensive waterbird colonies  in the flooded forest  in the northwestern  portion of the lake,  located  in Ek Phanom District,  Battambang Province.

Dans le cadre du second appel à projets du Programme opérationnel
de coopération transfrontalière Espagne-Frontières extérieures
(POCTEFEX), on a approuvé le projet appelé Développement
Durable de l’Espace Transfrontalier Réseau Natura 2000 et Habitats
de haut intérêt commun Andalousie-Maroc, dont l’acronyme est
TRANSHABITAT.
TRANSHABITAT est un projet qui surgit de la nécessité évidente
d’unifier les critères de gestion sur les deux rives du Détroit de
Gibraltar, surtout dans les Habitats de haut intérêt communs. L’objectif
principal du projet est la mise en valeur des Habitats d’intérêt commun
entre l’Espagne et le Maroc et l’élaboration de stratégies de gestion
y conservation communes. En même temps c’est un excellent point
de départ pour générer un développement socioéconomique et de
gestion agricole et de l’élevage durable.
TRANSHABITAT inclut, entre autres, un projet sur l’importance des
zones humides du nord du Maroc pour la conservation des Oiseaux
d’eau menacés de l’Andalousie. Les zones humides du Maroc ont une
importance vitale pour les oiseaux d’eau, en particulier pour certaines
espèces considérées « En danger d’extinction » selon le Catalogue
andalou des espèces menacées (Décret 23/2012, du 14 février),
comme la foulque caronculée (Fulicula cristata) ou la sarcelle marbrée
(Marmaronetta angustirostris). Ces espèces accusent un déclin très
rapide ces dernières années. Pour compléter leur cycle vital elles
dépendent étroitement des zones humides marocaines qui peuvent
constituer un refuge quand les conditions environnementales sont
défavorables en Espagne (Amat & Varo 2004; Green et al., 2002; Varo
2007).
Étant donné cette interdépendance des zones humides andalouses
et marocaines, il est nécessaire de connaître le statut des populations
d’oiseaux d’eau au Maroc afin de promouvoir leur conservation en
coordination avec les administrations marocaines et andalouses.
Ce travail présente les résultats du suivi des oiseaux d’eau dans les
zones humides de l’Andalousie au cours de la période 2004-2013, avec
une évaluation de l’état des populations. De plus il inclut les résultats
d’un travail réalisé par le Groupe de Recherche pour la Protection
des Oiseaux au Maroc (GREPOM) sur l’état des populations d’oiseaux
d’eau dans les principales zones humides du nord du Maroc, comme
point de départ pour une analyse conjointe des flux et mouvements
des oiseaux entre les deux régions et la création d’un Réseau de suivi
intercontinental.

For decades, mangrove and mudflat coastal ecosystems have been regarded as mosquito-infested wasteland ripe for development to other land uses. This misconception has resulted in the loss and degradation of these valuable coastal ecosystems in many parts of the world. In Penang State, where development pressure is high particularly in the coastal zones, mangrove and mudflats now cover less than 1.5% of the total land area. The Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda coast (TAT-KM), a narrow strip of mangroves and mudflats lining the northern part of Seberang Perai Utara District on mainland Penang (Figure A), was first identified as one of the 55 Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBA) in Malaysia by BirdLife International in 2007. This IBA is recognised internationally as it supports several globally threatened waterbird species such as the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Chinese Egret and Lesser Adjutant and significant flyway population of the Chinese Pond-Heron. More recently, its importance as a regional stopover and/or roost site for migratory shorebirds were further reiterated through a series of surveys and monitoring efforts in this IBA between 2013 and 2015. However, the importance and value of this IBA is not only ecological but also provides ecosystem services that possess economic values. In this pilot effort by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), several key ecosystem services that this IBA provides were identified and assessed using the “Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site-based Assessment” (or in short TESSA).

https://www.academia.edu/Papers/UploadAbstract
The wetland of the Lakes Koronia and Volvi is of international importance, supporting high numbers of wintering migratory waterbirds. Although protected under the Ramsar Convention, pollution levels have increased enormously in the last two decades, damaging the natural environment. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate changes in the waterbird species populations recorded in the mid-winter counts since 1968 in the Ramsar Wetland of the Lakes Koronia and Volvi, in Northern Greece.
Data regarding waterbird populations were collected from the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) and individual ornithologists who carried out the mid-winter counts. Data regarding environmental factors and pollution were collected from the Environmental Sector of the Ministry of Northern Greece and the Master Plan for the recovery of Lake Koronia. Data regarding fish populations were collected from the Fishing Directorate of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki. Data was presented in tables and graphs and analysis was performed to assess differences between waterbird populations and time. Individual species and groups of species of waterbirds were analyzed, as well as the total number of waterbirds. Fish populations vs. time and fish populations vs. fish-eating waterbirds were correlated. Variables characterizing pollution, climate and water use for irrigation vs. time, were analyzed. Data was not always sufficient for statistical analysis because of unavailability.
In 2002, Lake Koronia completely dried out with the result that large numbers of fish and waterbird deaths were documented. Wintering waterbirds populations also declined following this incident. After 2003, rainfall increased and the lake was regenerated. High numbers of waterbirds reappeared in the mid-winter counts of 2005. The fact that during the last few years Lake Koronia has again attracted a constant presence of pelicans, grebes and herons, is a good sign that the lake’s ecological status may be improving.
Lake Volvi has not been affected as much by pollution and drought. The area surrounding the lake is less densely inhabited, there are no industries and farmland irrigation occurs at a much lower level than Lake Koronia. However, fish species populations were gradually declining. Several duck species and coot are regularly counted in Lake Volvi, contributing significantly to the total waterbird counts. These species counts have dramatically declined in Lake Volvi since 1997. An occasional increase in wintering waterbirds observed in 2002 in Lake Volvi was due to fish-eating birds, mainly grebes. This is unlikely to be because of local factors, but more likely as a consequence of changes taking place elsewhere in Europe. The reasons leading to the above changes remain unclear, based on the present available data. Correlation of waterbird counts in Volvi and Koronia, with data from other Greek wetlands, would lead to useful conclusions and is one of several priorities for future analysis.

En el marco de la 2º Convocatoria del Programa Operativo de
Cooperación Transfronteriza España - Fronteras Exteriores
(POCTEFEX) se aprobó el proyecto denominado Desarrollo Sostenible
del Espacio Transfronterizo Red Natura 2000 y Hábitats de interés
común Andalucía–Marruecos, cuyo acrónimo es TRANSHABITAT.
TRANSHÁBITAT es un proyecto que surge de la necesidad manifiesta
de unificar criterios de gestión a ambos lados del Estrecho de
Gibraltar, sobre todo en ciertos hábitats de interés transfronterizo. El
objetivo fundamental del proyecto es poner en valor los hábitats de
interés común para Andalucía y Marruecos y establecer estrategias
de gestión y conservación comunes así como prioridades ambientales
a tener en cuenta en el desarrollo socioeconómico y agropecuario.
TRANSHÁBITAT incluye, entre otros, un proyecto sobre la importancia
de los humedales del norte de Marruecos para la conservación de aves
acuáticas amenazadas en Andalucía.
Los humedales de Marruecos constituyen unos lugares de importancia
vital para las aves acuáticas, compartiendo con Andalucía algunas de
las especies más amenazadas como la focha moruna (Fulica cristata)
o la cerceta pardilla (Marmaronetta angustirostris) consideradas
“En Peligro de Extinción” según el Catálogo Andaluz de Especies
Amenazadas (Decreto 23/2012, de 14 de febrero). Las poblaciones de
estas especies están experimentando un rápido declive en los últimos
años. Para completar parte su ciclo vital, estas especies y otras muchas
dependen estrechamente de los humedales marroquíes, que pueden
actuar como refugio cuando las condiciones ambientales no son
adecuadas en Andalucía. (Amat y Varo 2004; Green et al., 2002; Varo
2007). Dado esta estrecha relación entre los humedales andaluces
y marroquíes, no se puede contemplar la conservación de las aves
sin conocer el estado de estas especies en la otra orilla y promover
la conservación integrada en coordinación con la Administración de
Marruecos.
En esta publicación se resumen los resultados del seguimiento de
aves acuáticas en humedales de Andalucía en el periodo 2004-2013
realizando una evaluación del estado de las poblaciones. Además
se presentan los resultados de un estudio realizado por el Groupe
de Recherche pour la Protection des Oiseaux au Maroc (GREPOM)
sobre el estado de la población de aves acuáticas en los principales
humedales del Norte de Marruecos, como punto de partida para
el estudio de los flujos y movimientos de ejemplares entre las dos
regiones para la creación de una Red de seguimiento Intercontinental.

Weekly, during the reproductive season of 2003 and 2006, a White-necked Heron (Ardea cocoi) colony was studied on the western shore of Santa Elena lake, in the province of Ñuble, Chile.The herons constructed all their nests on willow trees (Salíx babilonica) in standing water with reeds (Juncus spp.). The first eggs hatched between the 21st and the 30th of September (start of spring), with an estimated incubation period of 27 days (range: 26–29 days). Nests were abandoned between the first week of November (mid-spring),and the last week of January (mid-summer). The herons showed tolerance with other nesting species in the area but conflicts with Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus). The structure, size, and localization of the nest is described. The oval nest had mean external dimensions of 92.2 cm in length x 72.3 cm in width, and 45 cm in height. The mean dimensions of the inside of the cups were 34.5 cm in length, 31.0 cm in width, and 8.5 cm in depth. The mean distance between neighboring nests was 9.5 m. Of the 64 eggs monitored, 55 hatched. The mean clutch-size was 2.4 eggs/nest; their mean weight was 75.1 g. The mean number of successful hatchlings was 1.7/nest.
"

A comparative study on waterbird diversity and abundance was conducted at natural and man-made wetland of District Hardwar from 2010 to 2013. A total of 37 waterbirds belonging to 11 families were recorded of which 14 species were winter migrant in the wetlands of the study area. Among these waterbird species, two species viz. Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus; River Lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii were near threatened (IUCN status Ver. 2013.1.) and two species namely Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus; and  Marbled Duck, Marmaronetta angustirostris were Vulnerable (IUCN status). The avian species diversity and abundance were recorded significantly high (t = 4.16, p < 0.01) at natural wetland site. It is also observed that vegetation variety and food availability is the responsible causes of waterbird species variation in the natural and manmade wetland. The results of this study suggest that freshwater natural wetland site is more suitable habitat for short and long-distance water migratory birds. This natural wetland should be protected to enhance the abundance and diversity of water migrant community.

Birds of an artificial fresh water pond made in the lagoon of Venice (Italy) Between 2012 and 2016 thirty-six visits were done to a man-made freshwater pond, six ha in size and about ten years old, made inside a large artificial island located in the central lagoon of Venice. Seventy-two species were observed, among which 51 were non-Passerines and 21 Passerines; 18 species are listed in the Annex I of the 147/09/EC Birds Directive. Thirteen species of Anatidae occurred throughout the year; abundance reached a peak in February, while the richness was the highest between February and April. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Teal (Anas crecca) and Gadwall (Anas strepera) were the most abundant ducks. Several species of conservation concern, such as Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) nested in the study area. Artificial ponds like the one studied may be important for enhancing the occurrence of several species of birds, and ducks in particular, throughout the year. Introduzione Gli interventi di creazione o di ripristino di specchi d'acqua dolce sono stati nel Veneto piuttosto numerosi negli ultimi venti anni. Gli scopi prefissi erano svariati ed in parte sovrapponibili: creazione di habitat importanti per la fauna e in particolare per l'avifauna (Valle Vecchia di Caorle-VE); riduzione mediante fitodepurazione del carico di nutrienti di fiumi (Ca' di Mezzo, Codevigo-PD; Castelnovo Bariano-RO; Cave senili di Salzano e di Noale-VE) o di acque reflue già sottoposte a trattamento convenzionale (Cassa di colmata A di Mira-VE); ritenzione delle acque di prima pioggia sversate da infrastrutture viarie (specchi d'acqua lungo il cosiddetto Passante di Mestre-VE e TV). Infine, alcuni corpi idrici sono stati realizzati ed altri sono in fase di completamento per la lamina-zione delle acque di piena (Caldogno e Arzignano-VI; Mogliano Veneto-TV).

Abstract The aim of the paper is to examine the temporal and spatial changes observed over a 25-year period in the waterbird community nesting in the largest coastal lagoon around the Mediterranean; to examine driving factors for the observed changes; to address the most urgent conservation actions. Published sources and field surveys made between March and July were used to assess number of breeding pairs of the commonest waterbirds in 1990–1992, 2000–02 and 2012–14. The breeding waterbird community exhibited several changes in its structure, with an overall positive trend; the number of species increased from 14 to 25 and the mean yearly abundance increased from 6155 to 14,008 pairs. The diversity (H′) increased slightly, whereas similarity indices and nMDS ordination
both highlighted clear differences between 1990 and 1992 and 2012–2014 communities. The increase in richness and abundance were mostly due to the immigration of birds from nearby wetlands, to the partial recovery of lagoon ecological conditions since the end of the 1980s and to the occurrence of suitable man-made habitats, such as fish farms, dredge islands and a constructed wetland. The fraction of the population nesting at artificial sites and fish farms increased from 50% in 1990–1992 till 80% in 2012–2014, highlightiAbstract The aim of the paper is to examine the temporal and spatial changes observed over a 25-year period in the waterbird community nesting in the largest coastal lagoon around the Mediterranean; to examine driving factors for the observed changes; to address the most urgent conservation actions. Published sources and field surveys made between March and July were used to assess number of breeding pairs of the commonest waterbirds in 1990–1992, 2000–02 and 2012–14. The breeding waterbird community exhibited several changes in its structure, with an overall positive trend; the number of species increased
from 14 to 25 and the mean yearly abundance increased
from 6155 to 14,008 pairs. The diversity (H′) increased
slightly, whereas similarity indices and nMDS ordination
both highlighted clear differences between 1990 and 1992 and 2012–2014 communities. The increase in richness and abundance were mostly due to the immigration of birds from nearby wetlands, to the partial recovery of lagoon ecological conditions since the end of the 1980s and to the occurrence of suitable man-made habitats, such as fish farms, dredge islands and a constructed wetland. The fraction of the population nesting at artificial sites
and fish farms increased from 50% in 1990–1992 till
80% in 2012–2014, highlighting the importance of artificial breeding sites in costal lagoons. At the opposite natural nesting habitats, such as saltmarshes and beaches are losing importance for breeding waterbirds, thus requiring urgent conservation measures.

En el periodo de reproducción de 2014, la población reproductora de aves acuáticas ha sido muy repartida entre las distintas zonas, de forma más marcada que en años anteriores. La Laguna de Fuente de Piedra es la zona que ha acogido al mayor número de parejas de aves acuáticas, con 21 especies y el 24% de la población reproductora, dominada por la abundancia de parejas de el flamenco común. Por orden de abundancia de efectivos reproductores le siguen otras zonas (22%), Doñana (18%), el Litoral de Huelva (15%, el Litoral de Cádiz (14%) y la costa de Almería (7%). La riqueza específica ofrece los mayores valores en Doñana y la Costa de Almería, con 36 especies reproductoras registradas en 2014.
En 80% de las parejas reproductoras se localiza en humedales de la Red Natura 2000.
Casi la tercera parte del total de parejas nidificantes de aves acuáticas corresponde al flamenco común, que ha criado con éxito en la Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (Málaga) y las Marismas del Odiel (Huelva), con un total de 10.118 parejas (28,3%). Otras de las especies más abundantes fueron la garcilla bueyera (4.170 parejas, 11,6%) y la gaviota patiamarilla (4.031 parejas, 11,3%), especies que se alimentan básicamente fuera
de los humedales. Los efectivos reproductores de estas tres especies suponen más del 51% del total de parejas reproductoras en 2014. Destacan los efectivos de otras especies como el morito común (1.873 parejas), la avoceta común (1.757 parejas), la cigüeñuela común (1.575 parejas) y la gaviota reidora (1.175 parejas). De las 52 especies de aves acuáticas con reproducción confirmada en 2014, 5 están catalogadas “en peligro de extinción” (cerceta pardilla, focha moruna, malvasía
cabeciblanca, garcilla cangrejera y porrón pardo) y una “vulnerable” (águila pescadora); las 6 están incluidas en el Plan de recuperación y conservación de aves de humedales. Otras 30 especies están incluidas en el Listado de Especies de Protección Especial (LESPE) y las 16 restantes no incluidas en el Decreto 23/2012. En el periodo 2007-2014, de las 52 especies, 26 (50%) muestran una disminución de la población reproductora (19 de ellas un fuerte declive); 6 (11,5%) son estables y 4 (7,7%) muestra una tendencia al incremento (fuerte en el caso de 3 especies). Para las 16 especies restantes no se puede detectar ninguna tendencia fiable en ese periodo.
Los grupos tróficos más numerosos que presentan mayor abundancia son los flamencos (10.121 parejas), las zancudas (ciconiformes) (9.759 parejas), los láridos (8.343 parejas) y los limícolas (4.832 parejas), con respectivamente, 28,3%, 27,2%, 23,3% y 13,5% del total de los efectivos reproductores. En todos los grupos tróficos se registra un número de parejas inferior a la media 2004-2013, salvo para los rapaces. El periodo 2003-2014 se registra una tendencia al fuerte declive en el grupo de las fochas (-15,6%), los limícolas (-7,4%), las gaviotas (-7,2%) y los somormujos (-6,3%) así como un declive moderado en garzas y cigüeñas (-3,8%) y anátidas (-1,1%). Por el contrario las rapaces y los flamencos muestran tendencia al incremento con porcentajes anual estimados respectivamente en +4% y + 13% anual.
Entre los humedales que albergan una mayor cantidad y diversidad de aves acuáticas, destacan la Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (Málaga), con 8.531 parejas de 21 especies diferentes, el Espacio Natural de Doñana (6.479 parejas de 35 especies), la Bahía de Cádiz (4.797 parejas de 19 especies) y las Marismas del Odiel en Huelva (3.670 parejas de 28 especies), sumando entre los cuatro humedales casi el 70% de los efectivos reproductores. El 80,2% de las parejas reproductoras se localizan en 12 humedales, destacando la Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (MA), el Espacio Natural Doñana, la Bahía de Cádiz (CA) y las Marismas del Odiel (HU). También se registran importantes efectivos  reproductores en humedales sin figura de protección como los arrozales de la Janda (CA), las Marismas de Trebujena (CA), el Embalse del Piedras (HU) la Cañada de las Norias (AL) o las Marismas de las Mesas (CA).

Herbivory is a fundamental process that controls primary producer abundance and regulates energy and nutrient flows to higher trophic levels. Despite the recent proliferation of small-scale studies on herbivore effects on aquatic plants, there remains limited understanding of the factors that control consumer regulation of vascular plants in aquatic ecosystems. Our current knowledge of the regulation of primary producers has hindered efforts to understand the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, and to manage such ecosystems effectively. We conducted a global meta-analysis of the outcomes of plant–herbivore interactions using a data set comprised of 326 values from 163 studies, in order to test two mechanistic hypotheses: first, that greater negative changes in plant abundance would be associated with higher herbivore biomass densities; second, that the magnitude of changes in plant abundance would vary with herbivore taxonomic identity. We found evidence that plant abundance declined with increased herbivore density, with plants eliminated at high densities. Significant between-taxa differences in impact were detected, with insects associated with smaller reductions in plant abundance than all other taxa. Similarly, birds caused smaller reductions in plant abundance than echinoderms, fish, or molluscs. Furthermore, larger reductions in plant abundance were detected for fish relative to crustaceans. We found a positive relationship between herbivore species richness and change in plant abundance, with the strongest reductions in plant abundance reported for low herbivore species richness, suggesting that greater herbivore diversity may protect against large reductions in plant abundance. Finally, we found that herbivore–plant nativeness was a key factor affecting the magnitude of herbivore impacts on plant abundance across a wide range of species assemblages. Assemblages comprised of invasive herbivores and native plant assemblages were associated with greater reductions in plant abundance compared with invasive herbivores and invasive plants, native herbivores and invasive plants, native herbivores and mixed-nativeness plants, and native herbivores and native plants. By contrast, assemblages comprised of native herbivores and invasive plants were associated with lower reductions in plant abundance compared with both mixed-nativeness herbivores and native plants, and native herbivores and native plants. However, the effects of herbivore–plant nativeness on changes in plant abundance were reduced at high herbivore densities. Our mean reductions in aquatic plant abundance are greater than those reported in the literature for terrestrial plants, but lower than aquatic algae. Our findings highlight the need for a substantial shift in how biologists incorporate plant–herbivore interactions into theories of aquatic ecosystem structure and functioning. Currently, the failure to incorporate top-down effects continues to hinder our capacity to understand and manage the ecological dynamics of habitats that contain aquatic plants.

In northwest Europe conflicts have routinely occurred between economic and conservation interests regarding shellfish such as cockles and mussels. The harvest of these species is economically important, but shellfish also constitute the main overwinter food supply of the oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. In this report we describe attempts to produced a simplified modelling approach to predict the quantities of shellfish which need to be left unharvested in order to ensure high overwinter survival of oystercatcher.
We review oystercatcher diet and prey selection in order to quantify the dependence of this species on shellfish, and determine the size ranges of shellfish which the birds consume. We also review the food requirements of oystercatchers, based on their energetic needs and the nutritional quality of shellfish. In general the data agree well with those used in previous oystercatcher modelling studies. However, there is a possibility that the daily energy requirements, calculated from an all bird allometric equation, may yield an underestimate of oystercatcher food requirements. A comparison of the physiological food requirements, i.e. the quantity directly consumed, and the ecological food requirements, i.e. the quantity required to avoid high mortality, indicated that the ecological food requirement was between 2.0 and 7.8 times greater, with the value depending on the proportion of cockles Cerastoderma edule and mussels Mytilus edulis in a site.  These ratios are calculated from empirical data on oystercatcher survival and the predictions of individual-based models predicting the relationship between mortality rate and the abundance of the food supply. Data from the Burry Inlet indicated that the mean ecological food requirement was 3.3 times greater at this site.
We describe a simplified spreadsheet model, which we used to predict the food requirements of the oystercatcher population of the Burry Inlet, and thus the quantity of shellfish which must be left unharvested in order to maintain low mortality rate. The model is based on parameter values derived from the literature reviews in this study, including the energy requirements of the birds, the energy content of shellfish, the minimum size of cockles and mussels consumed, and the ratio of the ecological and physiological requirements. We describe the assumptions and limitations of the model, and compare the model with more detailed individual-based models that can be used to predict the mortality rate of shorebirds in relation to the amount of food available.

Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) diet consisted of Channa sp. (25%), Trachypauchen sp. (25%), Puntius mahecola (14%) and Mystus vittatus (8%). It preferred medium sized prey of sizes 4-7 cm. In terms of biomass Channa sp. and Trachypauchen sp. constituted greater percent (51%). Scavenging behavior of Indian Pond Heron was observed. The prey fish species such as Mystus vittatus and Etroplus maculatus are economically important species and are of human interest but considering size of fishes in observed prey item it is having negligible economic value. But, continued predation of a particular size class may later affect the population structure of the prey species.