2007

The South American subspecies of Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger intercedens, is an important neotropical bird, widely distributed from Venezuela to the southeastern coast of Argentina. Population information for this subspecies is scarce and restricted to local distribution sites, making their conservation status difficult to determine. In Argentina, anecdotal information on breeding grounds suggest small colonies of R. niger intercedens next to rivers, contrasting with the high numbers registered on non-breeding grounds on the southeastern coast of Argentina (up to 10,000 non-breeders in Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon). This observed contrast in bird abundances raises the question of the existence of a non-breeding mixture of birds from breeding colonies distributed throughout the main South American hydrological basins. In this study researchers analyzed the genetic differences between skimmers’ populations from Brazil and Argentina, sampling individuals at breeding sites in Brazil and Argentina, and the large non-breeding site at Mar Chiquita (Argentina). Read Project SummaryMigration patterns and population connectivity of the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger intercedens) in South America: a continental approach

The Pampas region of Argentina is dominated by shallow lagoons that may be either temporary or permanent and have complex ecological patterns driven by very local conditions. Birds are one of the most conspicuous fauna in these aquatic environments, and as a group they serve as both indicators of lagoon conditions and major players in lagoon nutrient cycling. Researchers proposed to study the structure and seasonality of waterbird assemblages in three lagoons with different limnological characteristics, and to characterize habitat use by these waterbird communities in reproductive colonies and roosting sites. In addition, they intended to estimate the seasonal contribution of waterbirds to the nitrogen, phosphorus and organic material profiles in the lagoons. As with many regions worldwide, the Pampas are becoming fragmented by human development while also being recognized for their intrinsic, tourism and recreational values. Knowledge of waterbird assemblages, diversity, habitat use, and role in nutrient cycles is essential to developing and updating conservation and management plans for habitats with resident and migratory species.Read Project SummaryThe role of waterbird communities in the Pampas lagoons of Buenos Aires, Argentina: A study of their structure, impact and seasonality