Broche Otero, Mileidys

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    Disponibilidad de presas para aves playeras en las salinas de Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico y su relación con los factores físicos de la región
    (2006) Broche Otero, Mileidys; Lewis, Allen R.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Delannoy, Carlos; Santos Flores, Carlos J.; Department of Biology; González Lagoa, Juan G.
    The Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico salterns constitute one of the most impressive ecological realms of the island. Besides harboring a rich invertebrate fauna, thousands of birds have made a feeding and rest stopover of the area during their annual migrations over the Caribbean. The saltern system consists of two man-made evaporating lagoons known as Fraternidad and Candelaria. The present study, an attempt to understand the dynamics of the invertebrate populations used as food by the migratory birds was undertaken between September 28 and December 8, 2004. For the sampling program encompassing the study period, the salterns were divided into five sub-areas by taking advantage of natural and artificial barriers used in the salt producing operation. The experimental design called for a weekly sampling of the invertebrates, measurements of salinity, and determination of water depth. A census of the shorebirds was conducted also. The most abundant preys observed during the study were Trichocorixa (Hemiptera: Corixidae), Ephydra gracilis (Diptera: Ephydridae) and Artemia sp. (Anostraca). The largest number of corixids encountered was from areas where the average salinity never exceeded 45 ‰. Ephydra gracilis was found in areas with a mean higher salinity between 150.7 and 190.5 ‰. Artemia sp. was fairly consistent at intermediate salinities of 131.6 ‰ – 150.7 ‰. No direct relationship was found between abundance of prey and numbers of migratory birds. However, the largest numbers of birds was observed feeding in areas with a lower salinity. The fluctuations of salinity varied inversely with the water level, the latter having a direct relationship with the size of the birds. It should be understood that the ecology of the salterns is a vital key for their successful management as it is the moving force that provides the fundamental requirements for the living components comprising the framework of an ecosystem in such a harsh environment.