Greater Flamingo Research Articles

Aerial photography and machine learning for estimating extremely high flamingo numbers on the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Monitoring biodiversity over time and space is essential for effective conservation of habitats, processes, and dependent organisms. Estimating large abundances of individuals can be challenging (e.g. birds and mammals), demanding efficient and effective methods. The Makgadikgadi Pans in north-eastern Botswana have high concentrations of breeding and feeding flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus and Phoeniconaias minor), among the world’s most important breeding sites. No published estimates of flamingos exist since 2009, with historical estimates providing limited details on methods. We developed a semi-supervised machine learning method for counting a large feeding concentration of flamingos (2 June 2019) in aerial photographs from northern Sua Pan of the Makgadikgadi Pans. We also analysed rainfall and flooding frequency and extent, using satellite imagery, estimating likely frequency of these flamingo concentrations. Lastly, we reviewed the site’s global importance as flamingo breeding habitat. Our analysis successfully provided an estimate of 372,172 to 689,473 flamingos, with methods producing over 97 % test accuracy. Uncertainty related primarily to data coverage and collection rather than methodology. This estimate underlined the Makgadikgadi Pans’ significance for flamingos, supported by a high frequency of flooding (>5:10 years). Sua Pan ranked in the top ten breeding sites for the lesser and greater flamingos in the world. These methods can be applied to other large concentrations of flamingos and other animals. Our techniques provide considerable promise for tracking flamingo populations to ensure their protection. We provide code, for use in Google Earth Engine.

Provisional atlas of breeding birds of Walvis Bay in the coastal Namib Desert


 
 
 In austral summer 2016/17, a provisional bird atlas project was conducted in the town of Walvis Bay (~260 ha), Namibia. In total, 18 breeding bird species were recorded. Four eudominant species (Cape Sparrow, Rock Dove, Laughing Dove, and Common Waxbill) comprised together 65.2% of all breeding birds. Three dominant species – House Sparrow, Southern Masked Weaver, and Speckled Pigeon – comprised additional 23.0%. The community dominance index (DI) was = 0.40, Shannon’s Diversity Index H’ = 2.21, Simpson’s Diversity Index D = 0.87, and Pielou’s Evenness Index J’ = 0.76. By far the most numerous feeding guild were granivores (88.0% of all birds recorded) followed by insectivores (6.0%) and frugivores (5.3%). Tree and/or shrub nesting birds comprised 59.5%, while birds nesting in/on buildings the remaining 40.5%. There were neither ground-nesting nor holenesting birds. Structure-wise, the avian community in the town resembles avian communities in other parts of the world (strong dominance of granivores, such as sparrows and doves). In austral summer 2018/19, a total of 25 marine species were recorded in the lagoon, of which nine (36%) were Palearctic migrant and 16 (64%) African residents. In terms of the number of individuals, Palearctic migrants constituted 17% and African residents 83%. More than half of all marine birds were Greater Flamingos, while the most numerous Palearctic species was the Curlew Sandpiper.
 
 

EVALUATION OF SYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE AS AN ENDOGENOUS MARKER OF RENAL DISEASE IN GREATER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS ROSEUS).

Detection of renal disease in birds is currently reliant on biochemical measures such as uric acid, which is only elevated after significant renal compromise has occurred. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) production has not been previously evaluated in birds and no reference intervals (RI) for measurement exist in avian species. This study aimed to develop an RI for SDMA in greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and evaluate the association between SDMA levels and renal disease. Blood from 60 flamingos was collected for RI development and the RI of SDMA was found to be 11.8-34.2 µg/dl. Symmetric dimethylarginine showed a strong positive correlation with uric acid, a moderate positive correlation with creatine kinase, and moderate negative correlations with total protein, albumin, and glucose. No correlation was found with pododermatitis score or body condition. Using the SDMA RI, six clinical cases were included for assessment of the clinical relevance of SDMA in renally compromised patients. All birds that were euthanized had elevated SDMA levels and severe renal or systemic pathology on necropsy.

Population abundance of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (Aves: Phoenicopteridae) in district Gurugram of Haryana, India

We quantified the population abundance of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Najafgarh Drain (Jheel), Basai Wetland, and Sultanpur flats of district Gurugram, Haryana from October 2018 to December 2020. A total of 72 visits were made to the study sites. In this study, we explored the uses of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a 5-megapixel camera to census the population and distribution of Greater Flamingos. The Nikon 10 x 50 field binoculars were used for observations. A photographic record was taken using a Canon Powershot sx70hs camera. To estimate the population size, point count method was used and videos and image analysis were carried out for a more accurate count in densely packed flocks. The mean population of Greater Flamingos was 267 ± 47 observed throughout the study period from the three sites. For three years, the highest mean population of Greater Flamingos recorded was 745 ± 76 at Najafgarh Drain and the lowest was 19 ± 8 at Sultanpur Flats. The Greater Flamingos were found to be residents at Najafgarh Drain. At the Basai Wetland, two major human activities were the construction of highways along wetlands and wetland drainage have been observed that resulted in habitat fragmentation and shrinkage, which is responsible for the huge decline in their population. While at Najafgarh Jheel fishing activities and overgrowth of water hyacinth were a major threat that affect the Greater Flamingo population. The findings in this study will be beneficial for the conservation efforts of the flamingos in this area.

COMPARISON OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY ANALYTES IN GREATER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS ROSEUS) AND AMERICAN FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS RUBER) IN A ZOO IN EUROPE.

Reference intervals for clinical chemistry analytes are important for the interpretation of blood results, but reference intervals available in journal articles for specific flamingo collections are often based on a small number of individuals or are only available for a limited number of analytes. Differences in husbandry and nutritional conditions may impact reference intervals. The goal of this study was to establish reference intervals from a mixed population of greater (Phoenicopterus roseus) and American (Phoenicopterus ruber) flamingos when husbandry parameters are equal and to compare the results between the different species, sexes, and age groups in order to evaluate differences between these factors. Lithium-heparinized plasma samples from 93 animals were analyzed for the following: amylase, cholinesterase (CHE), bile acids (BA), total protein (TP), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid (UA), inorganic phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). The results show many differences between the species and a few between the different age groups but no differences between males and females of either species. Amylase (P= 0.0010), AST (P= 0.0090), CK (P= 0.0011), and Ca (P= 0.0217) differed significantly between greater and American flamingos. The age group significantly impacted blood levels of CK (P = 0.0299) and LDH (P = 0.0165) in greater flamingos and BA (P = 0.0495), P (P = 0.0422), and Ca (P = 0.0006) in American flamingos. The results show the importance of species-specific reference intervals and the consideration of age-related variations in order to facilitate correct interpretation of blood results.

Exploring the Effect of the COVID-19 Zoo Closure Period on Flamingo Behaviour and Enclosure Use at Two Institutions

Visitors can influence the behaviour of zoo animals through their auditory and visual presence, with mixed findings of negative, neutral, and positive effects on welfare. This study opportunistically utilised the UK-wide COVID-19 period of zoo closure to investigate the activity and enclosure usage of Greater (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Chilean (P. chilensis) Flamingos housed at two zoos. Flamingo behaviour at both sites was observed during the last week of a three-month closure period and the immediate reopening of the zoos. Photographic data were collected at three timepoints during each observation day. Negative binomial GLMMs compared the behaviour observed during zoo closure to the behaviour observed during zoo reopening, whilst accounting for climatic variables and time of day. Spearman’s correlation identified relationships between behaviour with the number of visitors and weather. Greater Flamingos were not influenced by the reintroduction of visitors to the zoo setting. Chilean Flamingos showed an increase in inactivity and decrease in movement and feeding when the zoo reopened. These possible behavioural responses are better explained by the influence of temperature on the behaviour of Chilean Flamingos and by the correlation between temperature and visitor number, rather than a direct consequence of visitor presence. This research details the multifactorial nature of any potential anthropogenic effects on zoo animal behaviour and highlights the importance of considering environmental variables alongside the measurement of visitor presence or absence.

Пример потери эффективности птицезащитных устройств на воздушной линии электропередачи средней мощности на территории Актюбинской области (Республика Казахстан)

This report presents the results of survey of a 46-kilometer section of the overhead line (OHL) powering the cathodic protection of the Bukhara – Ural Gas Pipeline within the Aktobe Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 7 kilometers of this section were previously equipped with bird protection devices (BPDs), which are now totally lost due to destruction of their fastening elements. Inspection of the 46-km section of this OHL has revealed deaths of 2 eagles (Aquilasp.), 1 Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), 1 Black Kite (Milvus migrans), and 3 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The conclusion was made that the BPDs of this OHL needed renewal. It was also concluded that instead of OHLs laid along the pipeline route it was advisable to consider other options, including stations of cathodic protection fed from modular-packaged electrical power plants with self-contained micro-turbine units, such as used at the Beineu – Bozoy – Shymkent Gas Pipeline.

Comparison of Two Different Feather Sampling Methods to Measure Corticosterone in Wild Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Wild Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

Simple SummaryThe common standard sampling method to determine corticosterone in feathers (CORTf) is to pluck them from the bird’s skin. This procedure is considered to be painful, and the animals have to be caught and fixated firmly. Therefore, an animal experiment approval is required according to European and German legislation. In this study, we compared two methods: plucking vs. cutting feathers. The aim was to confirm the validation of an alternative less-invasive sampling technique. The specimens of this project were wild adult Mallards (Germany) and wild 1st-calender-year juvenile Greater Flamingos (Spain). In summary, there were no significant differences between the methods in terms of corticosterone results for both species. Additionally, no differences were found in CORTf between females and males of both species. In conclusion, these findings underline the suitability of cutting feathers as a sampling method for the determination of CORTf levels.This research project had the aim to validate the possible alternative and less-painful sampling method of cutting feathers close to the skin instead of plucking them for subsequent feather corticosterone analysis, confirming recently-published results for other species in captivity. Analyzing CORTf is often used in animal welfare studies in combination with behavioral monitoring. The background of this idea was to act in the sense of animal welfare and reduce the burden of animal studies according to the 3-R-Principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) by refining procedures. To confirm the hypothesis that the sampling method itself has no influence on CORTf levels measured, plucked and cut samples of the respective bird were collected. Birds of two wild species were used: the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The CORTf was measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The determined values were inspected for their mean values, standard deviation (SD), and average differences. Afterwards, the CORTf levels of both species were compared, according to the sampling method, with the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). In the Bland-Altman (BA) plot the differences of the methods were displayed against the mean values. Additionally, sex, as a possible factor influencing CORTf, was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The values of CCC showed poor agreement in the comparability of the two methods, whereas the concordance of the BA plot was decent. The average differences between the methods were marginal for both species (Mallards: −0.16 pg/mm, Flamingos −0.13 pg/mm). In summary, all anomalies or differences between the methods were negligible. Therefore, the alternative sampling method seems to be as suitable as the common standard method. No significant difference was found between females and males. Nevertheless, our results suggest that CORTf should not be interpreted in just considering the values themselves, but the results they should be analyzed in the context of a wider set of parameters. Hence, further studies are encouraged to create a larger data pool.

Rapid assessment of West Nile virus circulation in a German zoo based on honey-baited FTA cards in combination with box gravid traps

BackgroundFor over a decade, monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) in Germany has consisted of a bird monitoring programme as well as a mosquito-based surveillance programme employing CO2-baited encephalitis vector surveillance (EVS) traps for mass trapping and screening of mosquitoes. In contrast to the EVS traps, the Reiter/Cummings type box gravid trap collects gravid female mosquitoes, which have already taken a blood meal, increasing the likelihood of being infected with pathogens. The traps can be equipped with a honey-baited Flinders Technology Associates® (FTA) card to encourage sugar feeding by the trapped mosquitoes. FTA cards contain nucleic acid preserving substances, which prevent the degradation of viral RNA in the expectorated mosquito saliva and allows for testing the card for flavivirus RNA. This study aimed to assess the suitability of the method for WNV surveillance in Germany as an alternative to previous methods, which are expensive, time-consuming, and predominantly target host-seeking populations less likely to be infected with WNV.MethodsIn the Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, snowy owls (Nyctea scandiaca) and greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) died of WNV infections in July and August 2020. In response, five Reiter/Cummings type box gravid traps were positioned during the daytime on the 10th, 13th, and 16th of September in five different locations. The FTA cards and mosquitoes in the chamber were collected, kept in a cool chain, and further processed for virus detection using a modified generic flavivirus reverse transcription PCR.ResultsA total of 15 trappings during September collected a total of 259 female mosquitoes, 97% of which were Culex pipiens sensu lato, as well as 14 honey-baited FTA cards. Eight mosquitoes tested PCR-positive for WNV. Four FTA cards tested PCR-positive for mosquito-borne flaviviruses, two of which were confirmed as WNV, and the remaining two confirmed as Usutu virus.ConclusionThe suitability of the FTA cards in preserving viral RNA in the field and rapid turnaround time from collection to result is combined with a simple, cost-effective, and highly specific trapping method to create an arbovirus surveillance system, which circumvents many of the difficulties of previous surveillance programmes that required the analysis of mosquitoes in the laboratory.Graphical

Comparison of Capillary Zone Electrophoresis in Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber).

Electrophoresis can be used to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (eg, aspergillosis) in avian species. Reference intervals for blood plasma proteins of 2 different flamingo species (Phoenicopterus roseus and Phoenicopterus ruber) and their hybrids were calculated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and differences between these species, sexes, and age groups were evaluated. Lithium-heparinized plasma samples from 111 animals from a zoological collection were analyzed by CZE and statistically evaluated. Differences were only found between greater and American flamingos (P = .003) and between greater flamingos and hybrids (P = .001) in the γ-globulin fraction. Male greater flamingos showed significantly higher α-globulins (P = .022) and females higher total albumin by CZE (P = .037). In American flamingos, the percent total albumin (P = .017), total albumin (P = .025), prealbumin (P = .005), and albumin/ globulin (A/G) ratio (P = .008) were higher in females, and α- (P = .023) and β-globulins (P = .021) were higher in males of the same species. The following parameters differed significantly between the age groups: γ-globulins (P = .048) in greater and α- (P = .021) and β-globulins (P = .001) in American flamingos increased with increased age and percent total albumin (P = .002), total albumin (P = .024), and A/G ratio (P = .002) decreased with age in American flamingos. The results showed only small differences between the species, but greater differences between the sexes and ages, especially in American flamingos, which must be considered when interpreting laboratory results.

Correlation between wing bone microstructure and different flight styles: The case of the griffon vulture (gyps fulvus) and greater flamingo (phoenicopterus roseus).

Flying is the main means of locomotion for most avian species, and it requires a series of adaptations of the skeleton and of feather distribution on the wing. Flight type is directly associated with the mechanical constraints during flight, which condition both the morphology and microscopic structure of the bones. Three primary flight styles are adopted by avian species: flapping, gliding, and soaring, with different loads among the main wing bones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional microstructure of the most important skeletal wing bones, humerus, radius, ulna, and carpometacarpus, in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). These two species show a flapping and soaring flight style, respectively. Densitometry, morphology, and laminarity index were assessed from the main bones of the wing of 10 griffon vultures and 10 flamingos. Regarding bone mineral content, griffon vultures generally displayed a higher mineral density than flamingos. Regarding the morphology of the crucial wing bones involved in flight, while a very slightly longer humerus was observed in the radius and ulna of flamingos, the ulna in griffons was clearly longer than other bones. The laminarity index was significantly higher in griffons. The results of the present study highlight how the mechanics of different types of flight may affect the biomechanical properties of the wing bones most engaged during flight.

Temporal variations of large wading birds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Objectives: To assess the temporal variations of the large wading birds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and to suggest management recommendations for the better management of the wading birds visited in the sanctuary seasonally. Methods and Statistical analysis: The population characteristic of large wading birds was carried out by employing a ‘direct count’ method. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to understand the impact of various seasons on the population characteristics of large wading birds. Findings: In total, 13 species of large wading birds were observed. Among the 13 species, the Black-headed Ibis and Painted stork are Near Threatened category (IUCN, 2020). Greater Flamingos showed the highest density than the other large wading birds observed from the PCWLS. The density, diversity and species richness of large wading birds were relatively greater in monsoon than the other seasons studied. The population characteristics of large wading birds varied significantly among the months and seasons (P<0.001). Novelty and applications : The diversity of large wading birds is declined when compared to the previous studies. The study revealed that the PCWLS is required intensive assessment of the various ecological factors of the sanctuary for managing various species of waterbirds visited seasonally. Keywords: Conservation; large wading birds; population; waterbirds; wetlands

Is the spread of the alien water boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Hemiptera, Corixidae) aided by zoochory and drought resistant eggs?

Abstract Desiccation resistance is a key trait determining the distribution of aquatic insects, their potential for overland dispersal, and survival during drought periods in temporary waterbodies, as well as the spread of invasive species. Passive dispersal by waterbirds is considered to be a key process favouring the spread of invasive species and is more likely to occur for insects with eggs that are resistant to desiccation or gut passage. We investigated the hypothesis that the eggs of the alien boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis are resistant to desiccation and digestion and thus able to disperse via waterbirds. We conducted experiments to test for egg resistance to desiccation in still air and under moving air conditions, to simulate bird flight. Oviposition on greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) legs and wetland plants was tested in the laboratory and in the field. Resistance of eggs to simulated gut passage was studied, as was the viability of eggs recovered from Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) droppings in the field. Only a fraction of eggs hatched after 8 hr of exposure to still air at 15°C (4% of exposed eggs), and after 2 hr exposure to air flow conditions at 20°C (8%). Oviposition on flamingo legs was confirmed in the laboratory but not in the field. However, oviposition rates were higher on plant stems than on flamingo legs. Digestion simulations showed very low resistance to chemical treatment and no resistance to scarification, and eggs recovered from coot droppings did not hatch. Our experiments demonstrated that T. v. verticalis cannot be considered to have eggs resistant to desiccation or gut passage. However, the dispersal of eggs on legs of flamingos or other waterbirds may occur as rare events. This epizoochory of eggs could potentially contribute to the expansion and gene flow of T. v. verticalis around the Mediterranean region.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements affects chick body condition and gut microbiome in greater flamingos

Elevated concentrations of trace elements represent a major concern to wetland ecosystems, since river estuaries are geochemical endpoints that accumulate pollution. Although the negative impact of environmental exposure of highly toxic elements such as Pb and Hg has received substantial attention, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the effects that these and other common trace elements have on natural populations. We used greater flamingos as a study system within three sites that represent a gradient of pollution. Controlling for environmental sediment exposure, we assessed if signatures of bioaccumulation in feathers for ten trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn and Zn) are associated with two known proxies of health: body condition and the gut bacterial microbiome. We found evidence of an adverse effect of Se, Hg, and Pb bioaccumulation on body condition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of the elements As, Cu, Se, Pb and Zn influenced different aspects of the gut microbiome. Bioaccumulation of Se led to a shift in the microbiome composition, largely driven by an enrichment of Bacteroides plebeius, which is linked to the breakdown of sulphated polysaccharides of algae. Bacteroides plebeius was negatively associated with chick body condition, suggesting an adverse effect of a microalgae diet rich in Se. Pb bioaccumulation was linked with a decrease in microbial diversity (adjusted-R2 = 10.4%) and an increase in heterogeneity of the microbial community (adjusted-R2 = 10.5%), an indication of impaired gut homeostasis. As, Cu and Zn had more nuanced effects on gut microbiome heterogeneity according to breeding site and bioaccumulation concentration. Our results therefore suggest that in addition to well-studied elements, bioaccumulation of poorly studied elements also adversely affect health of natural populations.

Behavioural Laterality in two species of flamingos: greater flamingos and Chilean flamingos

ABSTRACT Many studies have highlighted evidence of lateralized behaviours in vertebrates and invertebrates, indicating that cerebral lateralization might not be uniquely human. Flamingos, as highly social species, might represent an interesting model in the study of lateralization, as this trait appears to be useful in gregarious animals. This study aims to investigate the presence of lateralized behaviours in zoo flamingos. The subjects of this study were 41 greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and 29 Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis). Ten 20-minute observation sessions per subject were carried out, using focal animal sampling method. Bouts of side preferences were recorded for foraging, neck resting and preening. Moreover, bouts and duration of leg use for postural support during unipedal standing (leg stance) were also collected. Results highlighted a group-level right-side preference for foraging in the whole sample as well as within each species. Within greater flamingos, group-level right-side preferences were also reported for neck resting and leg stance. Differences between the two flocks were found, with greater flamingos displaying right preferences to a greater extent than Chilean flamingos. Males showed a more pronounced right preference than females for some categories. This study adds to previous literature highlighting the presence of group-level behavioural lateralization in flamingos.

Dynamic signalling using cosmetics may explain the reversed sexual dichromatism in the monogamous greater flamingo

Colourful plumage is typical of males in species with conventional sex roles, in which females care for offspring and males compete for females, as well as in many monogamous species in which both sexes care for offspring. Reversed sexual dichromatism—more colourful females than males—is predominant in species with sex role reversal. In the latter species, males care for offspring and females compete for mates, the mating system is mainly polyandrous and there is reversed size dimorphism—females are larger than males. Here, we document a case of reversed dichromatism, in the greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus, in which there is no sex role reversal and no reversed size dimorphism. Although theoretical models postulate that cases of reversed dichromatism should be rare among monogamous ornamented birds, our findings show that the use of cosmetics might be a mechanism for the occurrence of more ornamented females than males. Indeed, the concentrations of carotenoids in the uropygial secretions used as make-up were higher in females than in males. Apparently, there was a trade-off between coloration and antioxidant defence, as the concentrations of carotenoids in the uropygial secretions were lower during chick provisioning than in other periods, contrary to those in plasma. In this system, the application of make-up would act as a dynamic signal, which would allow a rapid reallocation of resources used for signalling among functions depending on needs. Cases like this may have evolved to signal the ability to provide parental care when females are more physiologically stressed than males. For species in which there is no sex role reversal, but females are ornamented and the resources allocated to ornaments are important for offspring viability, it has even been suggested that females should be less ornamented than males. This may be because for females, it would be better to invest directly in fecundity rather than in costly ornaments. We show a case of reversed sexual dichromatism in a monogamous bird with no sex role reversal, the greater flamingo, where females apply make-up over feathers. In the case of this species, there could be directional male mate preferences for female plumage coloration because the costs of signalling would not affect breeding investment in females, since cosmetic coloration is not used after it is no longer required, thus allowing the resources used in make-up (carotenoids) to be used in other functions.

Participatory mapping: Exploring landscape values associated with an iconic species

Participatory mapping provides a way to collate a wide range of landscape values providing a visual representation to inform conservation planning. We tested the use of an iconic species, the Greater Flamingo, as a lens for participatory mapping to render explicit the socio-cultural values attributed in a landscape. Spatial information on six landscape values in a biodiversity hotspot, the Camargue Biosphere Reserve (southern France) was collected from 113 participants through surveys, interviews and workshops. This data was geo-located through a SoftGIS methodology to map and quantify the overlap of bivariate hotspots identifying value concurrence. The most frequent values recorded through total number of polygons and surface areas were wilderness and recreation. The least frequently mapped values were economic loss and biodiversity. There was frequent concurrence between biodiversity and aesthetic values especially in wetlands (lagoons, salt flats and sea). There was also frequent concurrence between biodiversity and recreational values with more overlap in sites with easy access (along roads and public areas). Our results show that using an iconic species is an effective way to render explicit spatial variations in the values attributed to a landscape and to identify concurrence of values, thus enabling integration of multiple landscape values in conservation planning.

Contrasting changes in the abundance and diversity of Northern Iranian birds assemblages from 2011 to 2015

Birds are distributed in wide range based on flight power and structural changes in their composition. So, the ecological diversity and density can be indicative of the environmental changes. This study was conducted for the first time in the north of Iran to quantify and compare the temporal abundance in the taxonomic diversity of bird assemblages. Data were collected by the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency from 22 key sampling sites from 2011 to 2015 in Golestan Province. During the 5-years period, 13 abundance and diversity metrics with the average abundances of 123 species for each site were calculated. In terms of the number of birds in a particular species, mallard and greater flamingo were the most abundant species, and Anatidae family was the most abundant bird family in all monitoring data. Based on ecological indicators, the most diversity in species has been observed in 2012.

Гнездование розового фламинго (Phoenicopterus roseus) в Украине

Гнездование розового фламинго (Phoenicopterus roseus) в Украине

Environmental characteristics of shallow bottoms used by Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus roseusin a northern Adriatic lagoon

AbstractSince the beginning of this century, Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus roseusflocks have been observed regularly when feeding in the large extensions of shallow bottoms in the Lagoon of Venice (NE Italy), the largest lagoon along the Mediterranean. Nowadays thousands of flamingos are present throughout the year. Between 2013 and 2017 I collected data on the environmental features of the shallow bottoms used by feeding flocks, along with measurements of flight initiation distance (FID) of Greater Flamingo in response to the approach of boats and pedestrians. Shallow bottoms were shown to be used when covered with approximately 10 to 60 cm of water. All the feeding sites were in open landscapes, with low occurrence of saltmarshes in a radius of 500 m. The bottoms were barely covered with seagrasses (&lt;4% of the surface around the survey points) and were mostly silty. Feeding flocks were on average 1.2 km far from the nearest road or dyke, while the mean distance from channels that could be used by boats was about 420 m. The mean FID caused by boats or pedestrians was 241 m ± 117 m (N = 31, ± 1 SD) without significant differences between those for the two disturbance sources. The use of shallow bottoms by the Greater Flamingo appears governed primarily by the tidal cycle, but boat disturbance probably modifies this effect. According to FID values, a set-back distance of 465 m is suggested to reduce the disturbance caused by boats and pedestrians to the flamingo feeding flocks.