Abstract

ROMANO, Marcelo et al. Annual variations in the abundance and the spatial distribution of the Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and the Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) at the Laguna Melincué Ramsar Site, Argentina. Hornero [online]. 2017, vol.32, n.2, pp.215-225. ISSN 0073-3407.

From 1999-2016 we carried out winter censuses of Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) in different sectors of the Melincué lagoon, and recorded water levels and salinity. In addition, the location of individuals of Andean Flamingo equipped with transmitters was recorded. Water levels fluctuated between 86.1-82.3 masl. In 2005, water began to be pumped, and conductivity decreased markedly. Conductivity was positively associated with Andean Flamingo abundance and negatively with Chilean Flamingo abundance. Individuals with transmitters were present from July-September, remaining long periods in the same sectors. The Andean Flamingo was concentrated in certain sectors, whereas Chilean Flamingo was spread more evenly and its abundance increased in the years of higher water levels in the east and west sectors. For both species, the proportion of individuals in the south sector increased when water levels decreased. These results confirm the importance of the Melincué lagoon for the conservation of these species.

Keywords : Andean Flamingo; Chilean Flamingo; Pampa; Phoenicoparrus andinus; Phoenicopterus chilensis; Spatial distribution; Wetlands.

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