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Plastic intake by marine vertebrates has been widely reported, but information about its presence in continental waterfowl is scarce. Here we analyzed faeces of waterbirds species (European coot, Fulica atra, mallard, Anas platyrhynchos and shelduck, Tadorna tadorna) for plastic debris in five wetlands in Central Spain. We collected 89 faeces of shelduck distributed in four lakes, 43.8% of them presented plastic remnants. Sixty percent of 10 faeces of European coot and 45% of 40 faeces of mallard contained plastic debris. Plastic debris found was of two types, threads and fragments, and were identified as remnants of plastic objects used in agricultural fields surrounding the lakes. Differences in prevalence of plastic in faeces, number of plastic pieces per excrement and size of the plastic pieces were not statistically significant between waterfowl species. Thus, our results suggest that plastic may also be frequently ingested by waterfowl in continental waters, at least in our study area. Future studies should address this potential problem for waterbird conservation in other wetlands to evaluate the real impact of this pollutant on waterbirds living in inland water.

The Endangered red-billed curassow Crax blumenbachii is endemic to the lowland Atlantic Forest of Brazil and is extinct across most of its range as a result of habitat loss and hunting pressure. Global population estimates are unreliable as the species has never been surveyed systematically. During March 2012–February 2013 we used line transects to estimate the density and size of one of the most important populations, in the Vale Nature Reserve. Using Distance we estimated a density of 1.3 individuals per km2; results stratified by sex indicated a male-skewed sex ratio. Data collected from motion-activated cameras confirmed that the population was male skewed but to a lesser degree than suggested by transect data. Sex-specific behavioural responses to the presence of an observer probably contributed to the difference between camera and transect data. Using the camera-derived sex ratios we corrected transect estimates to 1.6 individuals per km2 and a population of 325 individuals. Our systematic survey approach has revealed that Vale Nature Reserve has a larger population than previous estimates of the global population. We show that behavioural differences between the sexes in cryptic species can mislead population estimates, and we highlight the importance of motion-activated cameras as a tool for studying cryptic forest species.

Appropriate survey design is essential to estimate population size reliably, especially for endangered species. Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti, one of the most endangered passerines in Europe, has been monitored using diverse counting methods. This variation in the methods employed may have a significant effect on the estimates of population sizes. The present study compares four methodologies cited in the literature as having been used for Dupont's Lark censuses: the Finnish line transect (25 m inner belt width), line transect (500 m inner belt width, a specific application of the transect method developed for the second national census of the species in Spain), mapping and point counts methods. We also determined the adequate number of visits needed to detect a reliable number of territories by the mapping method and analysed the effect of census month on the number of males recorded in line transects. According to our results, we consider that the mapping method, based on four visits, is the most adequate methodology for monitoring the species. However, for surveys in large areas the use of the line transect method during May and June may be more affordable. Although census date did not have a significant effect on the number of males recorded by line transect surveys, a larger number of males were indeed detected during May and June. Thus, censuses carried out in March may lead to greater underestimation of population sizes. Nonetheless, the best date for counting Dupont's Lark may differ for populations located at lower altitude. Point counts and Finnish line transects should not be used for counting the species, since both overestimate population sizes by about 35%, according to the mapping method and line transect results., Un diseño correcto del procedimiento de censo es esencial para estimar adecuadamente el tamaño poblacional, especialmente de las especies amenazadas. Las poblaciones de alondra ricotí Chersophilus duponti, uno de los paseriformes más amenazados en Europa, han sido evaluadas a través de diversos métodos de censo, sin embargo el uso de diferentes metodologías puede tener un efecto importante en las estimas de los tamaños poblaciones. Este estudio compara cuatro metodologías que se han usado en estudios previos para censar la alondra ricotí: el transecto lineal finlandés (ancho de banda de 25 m), el método del transecto lineal (ancho de banda de 500 m, una adaptación específica del método del transecto desarrollado para el segundo censo nacional de la especie en España), el método del mapeo y el de las estaciones de escucha. También hemos estimado el número de visitas necesarias para detectar un número fiable de territorios mediante el método del mapeo y analizado el efecto del mes de censo en el número de machos detectados en los transectos lineales. Según nuestros resultados, el método del mapeo con realización de cuatro visitas es la metodología más adecuada para censar la especie. Sin embargo, para censos en grandes extensiones el uso del método del transecto lineal durante mayo y junio puede presentar un mejor balance entre coste y rendimiento. A pesar de que el mes de censo no tuvo un efecto significativo en el número de machos detectados en transectos lineales, un mayor número de machos fueron detectados durante los meses de mayo y junio. Por ello, los censos realizados en marzo pueden subestimar en gran medida el tamaño poblacional de la especie. No obstante, las fechas óptimas de censo podrían diferir para poblaciones localizadas a menor altitud. Las estaciones de escucha y el transecto lineal finlandés no deben usarse para censar la especie, dado que ambos métodos sobreestiman en un 35% el tamaño poblacional obtenido a través del método del mapeo y del transe

Esta tesis ha permitido poner a punto una metodología de extracción y amplificación de ADN de pájaros a partir de excrementos de murciélago, sentando las bases moleculares para poder arrojar un halo de luz sobre la composición aviar de las dietas, método de caza empleado y selección de las presas de 2 de las 3 especies de murciélagos del Paleártico que complementan su dieta insectívora consumiendo aves durante los desplazamientos migratorios nocturnos de paserifomes.

Se registra por primera vez en la provincia de Castelló el topillo de Cabrera Iberomys cabrerae (Thomas, 1906) en tiempos recientes, donde tan solo se contaba con registro fósil en varios yacimientos datados en el Neolítico. Además se amplía hacia el sur su distribución conocida en València. Se describe y comenta su descubrimiento en la sierra del Toro (l'Alt Palància) y en la Font de la Figuera (la Costera)., This is the first recorded finding in recent times of the Cabrera vole Iberomys cabrerae (Thomas, 1906) in Castelló province, where previously only fossil records have been identified in several Neolithic sites. In addition, it's known distribution is expanded to the south of the province of València. These discoveries, made in the Sierra del Toro (l'Alt Palància) and la Font de la Figuera (la Costera), are described and commented upon.

Capsule: The Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponti in Iberia has relatively high breeding success in both core and fragmented habitats, so population declines are more likely to be the result of low juvenile or adult survival. Aims: To measure important aspects of the reproductive biology of one of the most endangered and least known larks: the Dupont’s Lark C. duponti. Methods: We monitored 36 nests in 2 Spanish shrub-steppes, one holding one of the largest European populations (250 pairs) and one composed by fragmented habitat patches holding a smaller population (50 pairs). Results: The breeding season went from late-March to early July. Overall mean (±sd) clutch size was 3.47 ± 0.56, and the number of fledglings per successful nest was 3.0 ± 1.15. Mean nestling period was short (8.2 days). Nests showed similar daily survival rate during the incubation period (0.9750 ± 0.0110) as during the nestling period (0.9545 ± 0.0168), with a mean breeding success of 50%. Predation was the main cause of complete nest failure (83.3% of failed nests in both localities). Conclusion: Breeding parameters did show no significant variation between populations. Breeding success in both sites was generally higher than recorded in previous studies of this and most other lark species, which suggests that breeding success does not compromise long-term viability of these populations. The decline of the studied populations should be explained by other causes, such as a general decrease in habitat quality, habitat loss or habitat fragmentation.

The effective integration of ecological restoration (ER) into land management requires the definition of priority areas and actions. At large spatial scales, priorities are commonly defined by experts in terms of ecological factors, particularly species distribution or a small set of ecosystem services. However, management decisions must deal with different habitats, and respond to society multiple demands and aspirations. New tools for identifying and analyzing priority criteria and determining best management alternatives, integrating ecological and socio-economic perspectives are needed. We developed a participatory approach to identify priority areas for restoration in a 224,472 Ha area in Crevillent Forest Demarcation, southeast semi-arid Spain. The challenge was to develop a rigorous yet accessible methodology that could be extrapolated to other regions. An 88-stakeholder platform was asked to identify and weight priority criteria for ER. Stakeholders identified five groups of criteria corresponding to natural and semi-natural environments, highly-humanized environments, criteria related to ecosystem functions, criteria related to landscape-scale processes, and socio-economic and cultural criteria. The integrated weight of the studied criteria showed that highly-humanized environments (landfills and waste dumps, river margins, unused quarries, rainfed crops, and irrigated crops) and criteria related to ecosystem function (key areas to reduce wildfire risk and vulnerability, key areas to reduce erosion, key areas to reduce water pollution) received the highest priority, together with areas with high cultural and ethnologic value. In contrast, the priority for natural and semi-natural environments and landscape-scale features was lower. We discuss these results and the feasibility of using this protocol to support decision making concerning ecological restoration actions in this Mediterranean landscape.

Habitat selection of endangered species in peripheral populations must be considered when designing effective conservation plans, as these populations tend to occupy atypical habitats where species-environment relationships are not well understood. We examined patterns of habitat use in peripheral populations of the endangered Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duplonti using a multi-scale approach and assessed the spatiotemporal transferability of these models to test for their generality. Our results show that at microhabitat (circles of 50-m diameter used by the species versus random points) and macrohabitat (occupied/unoccupied squares of 1 ha) scales the species selected flat and non-forested areas, but at the microhabitat scale the cover of small shrubs was also important. Models developed at patch scale (occupied /unoccupied sites) identified only site size as an important predictor of species occurrence. Habitat models transferred successfully among sites and years, which suggests that these models and our recommendations may be extrapolated over a larger geographic area. A multi-scale approach was used for identifying conservation requirements at different spatial scales. At the patch scale our models confirm it is a priority to maintain or enlarge the extent of habitat patches to ensure the viability of the studied metapopulation. At the macrohabitat scale our results suggest that reducing tree density in low slope areas would be the most effective management action. At the microhabitat scale, encouraging the presence of small and medium-sized shrubs, by clearing certain scrubs (e.g. large brooms Genista spp. and rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis) or promoting traditional low-level extensive grazing, should increase the availability of high-quality habitats for the species, and thus the number of potential territories within a patch. These recommendations largely coincide with the ones given for core populations at specific scales elsewhere.

This is the first recorded finding in recent times of the Cabrera vole Iberomys cabrerae (Thomas, 1906) in Castelló province, where previously only fossil records have been identified in several Neolithic sites. In addition, it's known distribution is expanded to the south of the province of València. These discoveries, made in the Sierra del Toro (l'Alt Palància) and la Font de la Figuera (la Costera), are described and commented upon., Se registra por primera vez en la provincia de Castelló el topillo de Cabrera Iberomys cabrerae (Thomas, 1906) en tiempos recientes, donde tan solo se contaba con registro fósil en varios yacimientos datados en el Neolítico. Además se amplía hacia el sur su distribución conocida en València. Se describe y comenta su descubrimiento en la sierra del Toro (l'Alt Palància) y en la Font de la Figuera (la Costera).

A pesar de la alta variedad de humedales lénticos de agua dulce en el Neotrópico, de su importancia ecológica y de su acelerada pérdida, el estudio sobre su biodiversidad asociada, conocimiento y valoración para conservación es aún incipiente. El Piedemonte del Meta en Colombia es una de las áreas más biodiversas y con mayor disponibilidad de humedales lénticos de la cuenca del río Orinoco. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas ha sufrido una gran transformación del paisaje, afectando humedales naturales y creando nuevos humedales con propósitos productivos y recreativos. A través de la presente memoria de tesis doctoral se evalúa la importancia de los humedales lénticos naturales y creados del Piedemonte del Meta – Colombia como ecosistemas de especial interés para mantenimiento y conservación de la diversidad de plantas y aves Neotropicales. Se comparó la diversidad de aves clasificadas según tres gremios (aves acuáticas, semi-acuáticas y terrestres) y de plantas de acuerdo a la formación vegetal (plantas arbóreas, acuáticas y herbáceas) en función del manejo de los humedales, el cual estuvo comprendido por las categorías de origen (natural, mixto y artificial) y de tipo de humedal (pantano, garcero, lago semi-natural, arrocera, piscícola y lago construido). Se usaron números de Hill y se calcularon medidas de diversidad para evaluar la riqueza, estructura y composición de aves y plantas, así como la relación entre la diversidad de aves y plantas. Los resultados obtenidos de esta investigación indican que se encontró una alta diversidad de plantas con 628 especies vasculares registradas (407 arbóreas, 122 herbáceas y 99 son plantas acuáticas). En cuanto a la diversidad de aves, se registró un total de 275 especies (196 especies de aves terrestres, 60 acuáticas estrictas, y 19 semi-acuáticas), que representan el 16% de las aves de la región fisiográfica del Piedemonte y un 66% si lo comparamos con la riqueza de especies del departamento del Meta. Se encontró un fuert

The evolutionary equilibrium hypothesis was proposed to explain variation in egg rejection rates among individual hosts (intra- and interspecific) of avian brood parasites. Hosts may sometimes mistakenly reject own eggs when they are not parasitized (i.e. make recognition errors). Such errors would incur fitness costs and could counter the evolution of host defences driven by costs of parasitism (i.e. creating equilibrium between acceptors and rejecters within particular host populations). In the present study, we report the disappearance of host eggs from nonparasitized nests in populations of seven actual and potential hosts of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Based on these data, we calculate the magnitude of the balancing parasitism rate provided that all eggs lost are a result of recognition errors. Importantly, because eggs are known to disappear from nests for reasons other than erroneous host rejection, our data represent the maximum estimates of such costs. Nonetheless, the disappearance of eggs was a rare event and therefore incurred low costs compared to the high costs of parasitism. Hence, costs as a result of recognition errors are probably of minor importance with respect to opposing selective pressure for the evolution of egg rejection in these hosts. We cannot exclude the possibility that low or intermediate egg rejection rates in some host populations may be caused by spatiotemporal variation in the occurrence of parasitism and gene flow, creating a variable influence of opposing costs as a result of recognition errors and the costs of parasitism.

Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares., This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves.

Spatial synchronization refers to similarity in temporal variations between spatially separated populations. Three mechanisms have been associated with the spatial synchrony of populations: Moran effect, dispersal and trophic interactions. In this study, we explored the degree of spatial synchrony of three wader species populations (Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Kentish Plover) using monthly estimates of their abundance in inland lakes of the Iberian Peninsula. The effect of several types of wetland variables (structural, hydroperiod and landscape) on spatial synchronization was explored. Groups of lakes with significant synchronization were identified for all three species. The lakes with wastewater input presented longer hydroperiods than those that did not receive these effluents, and this factor was positively related to the spatial synchrony of the Pied Avocet and Kentish Plover populations. The distance between lakes (used as an indicator of the dispersal effect on synchronization) was significant only in Pied Avocet. No structural or landscape variables were related to spatial synchronization in any species. It was impossible to identify any variable related to the spatial synchronization of Black-winged Stilt abundance as a possible result of the high ecological plasticity of this species. Our data provides the first evidence for mechanisms that act on the spatial synchronizing of wader populations in temporary continental lakes in central Spain, and show that the hydroperiod of lakes acts as an important factor in the spatial synchronization of aquatic species and that its effect is mediated by the reception of urban wastewater.

We describe the song type repertoire variation and degree of song sharing in three isolated and declining Dupont’s Lark (Chersophilus duponti) populations located close to each other in eastern Spain, studied over two years. We found no differences between sites either in song rate or individual repertoire size. We detected great differences in song type diversity at the population level, ranging from five to 18 song types. We used, for the first time, the SIMPROF test, a method that objectively discriminates significant groups resulting from agglomerative clustering methods, to study geographic variation in bird song. We found four microdialects in the study area with a low degree of song sharing among populations, which may be related to the influence of habitat fragmentation and the song learning process and ecology of the species. We detected different patterns of song sharing among sites. All males of two populations shared about 80–100 % of their song types throughout the habitat patch. At the other site, we found two microdialects within the same habitat patch, where song types were only shared among neighbouring males. The high degree of song sharing found can be explained by the reduced dispersal movements of the species. We also detected a high consistency in the song types between years. The creation of corridors and habitat management in potential habitat patches surrounding Dupont’s Lark populations could act as stepping-stones, improving the connection between populations and thereby song transmission between patches.

Accelerated degradation of the wetlands and fragmentation of surrounding vegetation in the Andean–Orinoco Piedmont are the main threats to diversity and ecological integrity of these ecosystems; however, information on this topic is of limited availability. In this region, we evaluated the value of 37 lentic wetlands as reservoirs of woody and aquatic plants and analyzed diversity and changes in species composition within and among groups defined according to management given by: (1) type (swamps, heronries, rice fields, semi-natural lakes, constructed lakes and fish farms) and (2) origins (natural, mixed and artificial). A total of 506 plant species were recorded: 80% woody and 20% aquatic. Of these, 411 species (81%) were considered species typical of the area (Meta Piedmont distribution). Diversity patterns seem to be driven by high landscape heterogeneity and wetland management. The fish farms presented the highest diversity of woody plants, while swamps ranked highest for aquatic plant diversity. Regarding wetland origin, the artificial systems were the most diverse, but natural wetlands presented the highest diversity of typical species and can therefore be considered representative ecosystems at the regional scale. Our results suggest that lentic wetlands act as refuges for native vegetation of Meta Piedmont forest, hosting 55% of the woody of Piedmont species and 29% of the aquatic species of Orinoco basin. The wetlands showed a high species turnover and the results indicated that small wetlands (mean ± SD: size = 11 ± 18.7 ha), with a small area of surrounding forest (10 ± 8.6 ha) supported high local and regional plant diversity. To ensure long-term conservation of lentic wetlands, it is necessary to develop management and conservation strategies that take both natural and created wetlands into account.

The apparent stability of the bearded reedling in Spanish inland wetlands contrasts with its threatened status in Spanish coastal wetlands. The species has already disappeared from some coastal areas in Catalonia and its situation is critical in the region of Valencia. In 2013 we studied the breeding populations in three wetlands in Valencia using two methods: census by exhaustive search of individuals (territory mapping) and distance sampling using line transects. We estimated the trend of these populations from data obtained in previous censuses (2005 and 2006), and assessed their viability in the medium and short term using count–based population viability analysis (PVA). Results were alarming in the three studied wetlands, especially in the Albufera de Valencia, where only one breeding pair was found. The percentage of decrease of estimated pairs was similar in all wetlands: ca. 90% between 2005 and 2013. Results from the PVAs predicted a 90% probability of reaching the quasi–extinction threshold before 2024 or 2028 for the largest population of bearded reedling in the Valencia region, El Hondo, while for the Santa Pola population this threshold would be reached before 2016 or 2017. The parallel trend and generalized decline in the Spanish coastal wetlands suggests that these Mediterranean wetlands probably share some specific factors that have adversely affected their populations. Given that all these natural spaces are surrounded by intensively irrigated crops that are subjected to the intense use of pesticides, we hypothesize that these products could have had a detrimental effect on the bearded reedling. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the healthiest populations are situated in Iberian inland wetlands that are surrounded by dry crops where the use of pesticides is less intense. We propose cataloguing the species as Endangered at regional level., La delicada situación del bigotudo en los humedales litorales españoles contrasta con la aparente estabilidad de la especie en los humedales interiores. La especie ha desaparecido de algunos enclaves costeros de Cataluña y su situación es crítica en la Comunidad Valenciana. En 2013 estimamos las poblaciones reproductoras en tres humedales de esta última comunidad usando dos métodos: censo mediante búsqueda exhaustiva de individuos reproductores (mapeo de territorios) y muestreo de distancia mediante transectos. Además, con los datos obtenidos en censos anteriores (2005 y 2006) estimamos la tendencia de estas poblaciones y calculamos su viabilidad a corto y medio plazo mediante un análisis de viabilidad poblacional (AVP) basado en conteos. Los resultados fueron muy preocupantes en los tres humedales estudiados, especialmente en La Albufera de Valencia, donde tan solo se encontró una pareja reproductora. El porcentaje de disminución de las parejas estimadas entre 2005 y 2013 en todos los humedales fue muy parecido, alrededor del 90%. Los resultados de los AVP para la mayor población de la Comunidad Valenciana, El Hondo, predicen un 90% de probabilidad de alcanzar el umbral de cuasi–extinción antes de 2024 o 2028, según el método de censo empleado. En el caso de Santa Pola, este umbral se alcanzaría antes de 2016 o 2017. El descenso generalizado y paralelo en los humedales costeros españoles sugiere que probablemente estos hábitats comparten algunos factores específicos que han afectado negativamente a sus poblaciones de bigotudo. Puesto que todos estos espacios naturales están rodeados de cultivos intensivos de regadío sometidos a un elevado uso de plaguicidas, hipotetizamos que estos productos podrían haber tenido un efecto perjudicial en el bigotudo. Esta hipótesis se ve apoyada por el hecho de que las poblaciones más saludables están situadas en el interior peninsular, en humedales rodeados de cultivos de secano, en los que el uso de plaguicidas es menos intenso. S

This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves., Resumen: Esta investigación fue realizada en pinares en Alturas de Pizarra de la Empresa Agroforestal Minas, con el objetivo de determinar la estructura y composición de estos pinares, para el manejo de los mismos. Se seleccionaron dos áreas; en cada área fueron establecidas 30 parcelas circulares de 15 metros de radio; se consideraron tres estratos en la vegetación para cuantificar las especies presentes y hacer los análisis correspondientes. Se calculó la diversidad alfa y beta, se evaluó la estructura horizontal mediante el índice de importancia ecológica y la distribución por clases diamétricas, se describió la estructura vertical a través de la riqueza de especies en cada estrato, así como su posición sociológica. En ambos pinares se identificaron en total 36 familias, 47 géneros y 61 especies de plantas, 42 especies en el área de Pinus caribaea y 36 especies en el área de Pinus tropicalis, observándose diferencias en cuanto a la composición de la vegetación acompañante en sus estratos. Las especies que mayor valor de importancia ecológica alcanzaron en las áreas estudiadas fueron Pinus caribaea con 205.96 y Pinus tropicalis con 175.59, siendo la abundancia y la frecuencia relativas los parámetros que más influyeron. Las parcelas, según la composición de especies, se agruparon en cuatro grupos diferenciándose por la altitud, altura de los árboles, el área basal y la abundancia de árboles muertos presentes en las mismas. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, al precisar en algunos de los parámetros de esta formación vegetal en Cuba, constituyen un referente el manejo de estos pinares.

We assessed bird sensitivity to forest fragmentation in two adjacent landscapes in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. One landscape is naturally fragmented and has high connectivity, whereas the other is human-fragmented and has low connectivity. We tested whether the sensitivity of bird species to fragmentation depends more on the intrinsic characteristics of the birds than on landscape connectivity. Point counts were used to sample small and large forest remnants in each landscape. The abundance of each species in these remnants was used as a proxy for sensitivity. To test whether the two landscapes differ in connectivity, we compared the following landscape metrics: landscape shape index (LSI), proximity index (PROX) and connectance index (CONNECT). We analysed the sensitivity of 85 species, 51 of which occurred exclusively in one of the two landscapes. In the landscape with low connectivity we recorded a large number of sensitive species. Among the 34 species that occurred in both landscapes, 24 species (18 non-sensitive and six sensitive) had the same sensitivity. Landscape connectivity seems to be more significant when we focus on the bird communities as a whole. However, when we focus on the same bird species in different landscapes, intrinsic characteristics of species seem to affect their sensitivity to fragmentation more than does landscape connectivity, especially for bird species with lower sensitivity. Therefore, our results show that increasing landscape connectivity may not be the best tool for bird conservation in naturally fragmented landscapes. Nevertheless, it will be important to test further whether forest bird species are more sensitive to environmental degradation in naturally fragmented landscapes than in human-fragmented landscapes., En el presente estudio analizamos la sensibilidad de las aves a la fragmentación del bosque en dos paisajes contiguos de la Mata Atlántica del sur de Brasil. Uno de los paisajes está fragmentado de manera natural y presenta alta conectividad, mientras que en el otro la fragmentación es de origen antrópico y tiene baja conectividad. Evaluamos si la sensibilidad de las especies a la fragmentación depende más de sus características intrínsecas que de la conectividad del paisaje. Usamos puntos de conteo para estimar la abundancia de aves en fragmentos grandes y pequeños en cada paisaje, como un indicador de su sensibilidad a la fragmentación. Para testar si los dos paisajes difieren en conectividad calculamos las siguientes métricas del paisaje: índice de forma del paisaje (LSE), índice de proximidad (PROX) e índice de conectividad (CONNECT). Evaluamos la sensibilidad de 85 especies, de las cuales 51 ocurrieron solamente en uno de los dos paisajes. En el paisaje con baja conectividad registramos un mayor número de especies sensibles. Entre las 34 especies detectadas en los dos paisajes, 24 (18 no sensibles y 6 sensibles) mostraron la misma sensibilidad. Cuando consideramos la comunidad de aves en su conjunto la conectividad del paisaje resulta más relevante, sin embargo, al analizar la misma especie en diferentes paisajes, las características intrínsecas de la especie parecen afectar más su sensibilidad a la fragmentación que la conectividad del paisaje, especialmente en el caso de aves con baja sensibilidad. Nuestros resultados muestran que aumentar la conectividad del paisaje puede no ser la mejor herramienta para la conservación de las aves en paisajes fragmentados de manera natural. No obstante, sería importante estudiar si las aves forestales son más sensibles a la degradación ambiental en paisajes fragmentados naturalmente que en los fragmentados por la actividad humana.

Intraspecific nest aggression in a diverse array of passerine species is usually explained in the context of competition for nesting sites among cavity nesters, or as parental investment among polygynous species, but has been reported only rarely in monogamous, open ground-nesting species such as larks. We video-monitored ten Dupont's Lark nests. This declining species has a patchy and restricted distribution in Iberia and northern Africa. We detected aggression toward one nest, during which a female deserted her clutch after being attacked by another Dupont's Lark. This is the first record of nest abandonment resulting from intraspecific agonistic behaviour in the Alaudidae family. The high density and proximity of territories of Dupont’s Lark in the study area seems a likely explanation for such agonistic behaviour, which may be a neglected cause of nest failure in shrinking Dupont’s Lark populations living in small habitat patches.

The high rate of amphibian endemism and the severe habitat modification in the Caribbean islands make them an ideal place to test if the current protected areas network might protect this group. In this study, we model distribution and map species richness of the 40 amphibian species from eastern Cuba with the objectives of identify hotspots, detect gaps in species representation in protected areas, and select additional areas to fill these gaps. We used two modeling methods, Maxent and Habitat Suitability Models, to reach a consensus distribution map for each species, then calculate species richness by combining specific models and finally performed gap analyses for species and hotspots. Our results showed that the models were robust enough to predict species distributions and that most of the amphibian hotspots were represented in reserves, but 50 percent of the species were incompletely covered and Eleutherodactylus rivularis was totally uncovered by the protected areas. We identified 1441 additional km2 (9.9% of the study area) that could be added to the current protected areas, allowing the representation of every species and all hotspots. Our results are relevant for the conservation planning in other Caribbean islands, since studies like this could contribute to fill the gaps in the existing protected areas and to design a future network. Both cases would benefit from modeling amphibian species distribution using available data, even if they are incomplete, rather than relying only in the protection of known or suspected hotspots.

Traditional water supply systems in semi-arid agrarian ecosystems, mainly irrigation canals, contribute to the diversity of the landscape and influence the composition of species. To evaluate their effect on bird communities in the breeding season, we selected a rural area in southeastern Spain, where an intricate and extensive network of irrigation canals and cultivated areas is located between two wetlands declared as Natural Parks. Birds were counted at representative points distributed throughout the canal network at which we recorded several variables related to the physical features, the vertical and horizontal structure of associated vegetation, reed development (Phragmites australis) and land use in the neighboring areas. We detected 37 bird species, most of which were also breeding in the wetlands nearby. We used Hierarchical Partitioning analyses to identify the variables most strongly related to the probability of the presence of selected species and species richness. Vegetation cover and height close to the canals, together with reed development, were the most important types of variables explaining species presence and richness. We found that current management practices for reeds in canals are not well-suited for biodiversity conservation. We therefore propose alternatives that could be implemented in the area in cooperation with stakeholders.

Se estudió la biología reproductiva de Polioptila lembeyei en la Reserva Ecológica Siboney-Juticí, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba durante los años 2006 y 2007 en seis formaciones vegetales. Se describieron aspectos de su reproducción en términos de cronología reproductiva, tamaño de puesta, duración del período de incubación, permanencia de los polluelos en el nido, morfometría de nidos y huevos, y caracterización del sitio de nidificación en cuanto a la altura de los nidos y especie y altura de las plantas utilizadas como sitio de nidificación. Se localizaron 89 nidos durante las dos temporadas reproductivas, 43 en el año 2006 y 46 en el 2007. El período reproductivo se extendió desde finales de marzo hasta julio, abarcando 129 días en el año 2006 y 122 días durante el año 2007. Las nidadas tuvieron una duración de 36–56 días (construcción 8,6 ± 2,8 días, puesta 8,6 ± 2,7 días, incubación de 14,0 ± 1,2 días y permanencia de los pichones en el nido 14,5 ± 1,0 días). De los 45 nidos examinados el tamaño de puesta modal fue de tres huevos (88,9 %), encontrándose también nidadas de dos (6,7 %) y cuatro huevos (4,4 %). De 38 nidos con huevos para ambas temporadas, 15 nidos produjeron pichones (32 pichones en el 2006 y 20 pichones en el 2007) y solo tres nidos durante el 2006 (37,5 %) lograron producir volantones, los cuales salieron con éxito del nido. La planta más utilizada como sitio de nidificación fue Acacia macracantha (80 % de los nidos detectados), aunque también se hallaron nidos en otras ocho especies de plantas. Las alturas de ubicación del nido fue de 2,7 ± 1,5 m (n = 82; rango 0,3–6,4 m) y la distancia del nido al dosel de la planta utilizada como sustrato fue de 1,1 ± 0,9 m (n = 80; rango 0,1–5,4 m)., The reproductive biology of Polioptila lembeyei was studied in six vegetation types during the years 2006 and 2007 in the Siboney-Juticí Ecological Reserve, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Breeding aspects including reproductive chronology, clutch size, incubation length, nestling period, egg and nest morphometrics, and aspects of the nesting site (nest height, plant species, and plant height) were described. Eighty-nine nests were found during both reproductive seasons, 43 in 2006 and 46 in 2007. The reproductive period occurred from late March to July for 129 days in 2006 and 122 days in 2007. The length of the nesting period was 36–56 days (nest construction 8.6 ± 2.8 days, laying 8.6 ± 2.7 days, incubation 14.0 ± 1.2 days, and nestling period 14.5 ± 1.0 days). Of the 45 nests examined, modal clutch size was three eggs (88.9 %), although nests with two (6.7 %) and four eggs (4.4 %) also occurred. Of 38 clutches in both seasons, 15 of them produced chicks (32 chicks in the 2006 and 20 chicks in the 2007) and only three nests in the 2006 season (37.5 %) produced fledglings. Acacia macracantha was the plant species most used as nesting substrate (80 % of detected nests) although nests were also found in eight other plant species. Nest heights were 2,7 ± 1,5 m (n = 82; range 0.3–6.4 m) and the distance from nest to the canopy of the substrate plant was 1.1 ± 0.9 m (n = 80; range 0.1–5.4 m).

La fragmentada población española es la única presencia de la alondra ricotí en Europa. Con la información científica disponible, esta ave debería pasar ya a ser clasificada como “En peligro de extinción” en el Catálogo Español de Especies Amenazadas. Un declive previsto del 70%, tras analizar la evolución de más de treinta de sus reductos, supera con creces la línea roja marcada por los criterios establecidos para abordar ese cambio legal.

En tres bosques semideciduos y en tres tipos de vegetación ruderal del Área Protegida de Recursos Manejados Mil Cumbres (Sierra del Rosario, Pinar del Río, Cuba), se analizan las comunidades de coleópteros y se las compara respecto a la composición, riqueza, abundancia, diversidad, equitatividad, ordenación y complementariedad. La composición de coleópteros conocida hasta el momento es de 166 especies, incluidas en 75 géneros y 34 familias. La vegetación ruderal presentaó mayor riqueza y abundancia que los bosques semideciduos. El bosque y la vegetación ruderal de Pan de Guajaibón exhibieron los valores más altos de riqueza, abundancia y número de especies únicas. Ambas formaciones vegetales de Sierra Chiquita presentaron la mayor diversidad y equitatividad. Las comunidades de coleópteros más afines estaban entre los bosques y entre la vegetaciones ruderales en Forneguera y Pan de Guajaibón. Cada bosque y tipo de vegetación ruderal presentaba especies exclusivas., In three semideciduous forests and in three types of ruderal vegetation within the Mil Cumbres Protected Area of Managed Resources (Sierra del Rosario, Pinar del Río, Cuba), the beetle communities were analyzed and compared for composition, richness, abundance, diversity, equitability, ordination and complementarity. A total of 166 species of 75 genera and 34 families were recorded. Ruderal vegetation showed higher values of richness and abundance than the semideciduous forests. The forest and ruderal vegetation of Pan de Guajaibón showed the highest values of species richness, abundance and number of unique species. Both plant communities of Sierra Chiquita presented the highest diversity and equitability values. The most similar beetle communities were between forests and between ruderal vegetation types at Forneguera and Pan de Guajaibón. Each forest and ruderal vegetation type had exclusive species.

Aquesta nota mostra la tendència poblacional de la garsa (Pica pica) al llarg del kilòmetre 1 (des de la línea de costa, riu amunt) del paisatge protegit de la Desembocadura del riu Millars (Castelló), per al període comprés de 1994-2009 (16 anys). Els resultats se centren en censos realitzats a la zona mitjançant el mètode del transecte lineal duts a terme 3 o 4 vegades al mes. L’espècie se censa per primera vegada l’any 1997 i des l’aleshores mostra una tendència a l’alça sobretot a partir de 2003 i molt especialment en els dos últims (2008-2009). S’ha estabilitzat una abundància mitjana de 8,3 aus/km. Pel que fa a les correlacions amb la meteorologia, en els anys més freds presenta menor abundància que en els càlids. Els hiverns càlids podrien permetre major supervivència i, a més, major disponibilitat de recursos amb els quals assegurar un bon nombre de polls. L’espècie troba en la zona suficients recursos tròfics per sobreviure i un lloc excel·lent on lliurar-se de la pressió cinegètica., This note shows the population trend of the magpie (Pica pica) over 1 kilometer (up river from the coast line) of the protected landscape of the mouth of the Mijares river (Castellón), for the period of 1994-2009 (16 years). I focus on census conducted in the area by the method of linear transect, carried out 3 or 4 times every month. The species was registered for the first time in 1997 and since then it shows an upward trend, especially after 2003 and more so in the last two years (2008-2009). Abundance has stabilized arround an average of 8.3 birds/km. Regarding correlations with weather, the species presented lower abundance in cold years than in warm ones. Cool winters could allow higher survival rates and increased resources availability to breed a higher number of youngs. The species founds in the area sufficient food resources to survive and an excellent place to avoid hunting pressure.

O trabalho apresenta os primeiros registros do Flamingo-americano (Phoenicopterus ruber) para a região da base da montanha, do departamento de Meta em Orinoquia Colombiana. Foram realizadas três observações sobre a vida silvestre desta espécie em regiões com cultivo de arroz alagado (Oryza sativa) durante os anos de 2008 e 2010. Esses registros demonstram o crescente leque de espécies, e a presença de indivíduos que perderam ás áreas para sobreviver, representando a transposição desta espécie para esta área do país. A situação analisada em P. Ruber na Orinoquia Colombiana propõe a existência de possíveis rotas que permitem a chegada desta espécie a essa região, e discutem as implicações da tendência de manutenção da fauna silvestre em cativeiro., Se presentan los primeros registros del flamenco americano (Phoenicopterus ruber) para el piedemonte del departamento del Meta en la Orinoquia Colombiana. Se realizaron tres observaciones en vida silvestre de la especie en las zonas inundadas de un cultivo de arroz de riego (Oryza sativa) en los años 2008 y 2010. Estos registros podrían corresponder a la ampliación de rango de la especie, a la presencia de individuos vagabundos o a la introducción tipo trasplante de la especie a esta región del país. Se analizó la situación de P. ruber en la Orinoquia Colombiana, se proponen las posibles rutas de arribo de la especie a esta región del país (si fuese una ampliación de rango geográfico) y se discuten la tenencia de fauna silvestre en cautiverio., The first sightings of the American or Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) in the foothills of the Meta department in the Colombian Orinoco region are presented here. Three observations of the species were made in the wild in the flooded areas of an irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) paddy from 2008 to 2010. These records could show how the species' range is becoming extended, the presence of individual vagrants or the specie's transplant-type introduction into this region of Colombia. The circunstances regarding P. ruber 's presence in the Colombian Orinoco region is analysed, possible arrival routes for the species to this region of Colombia are proposed (if one is dealing with an expansion of geographical range) and captive wildlife occupancy are discussed.

Se presentan los primeros registros del flamenco americano (Phoenicopterus ruber) para el piedemonte del departamento del Meta en la Orinoquia Colombiana. Se realizaron tres observaciones en vida silvestre de la especie en las zonas inundadas de un cultivo de arroz de riego (Oryza sativa) en los años 2008 y 2010. Estos registros podrían corresponder a la ampliación de rango de la especie, a la presencia de individuos vagabundos o a la introducción tipo trasplante de la especie a esta región del país. Se analizó la situación de P. ruber en la Orinoquia Colombiana, se proponen las posibles rutas de arribo de la especie a esta región del país (si fuese una ampliación de rango geográfico) y se discuten la tenencia de fauna silvestre en cautiverio., The first sightings of the American or Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) in the foothills of the Meta department in the Colombian Orinoco region are presented here. Three observations of the species were made in the wild in the flooded areas of an irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) paddy from 2008 to 2010. These records could show how the species’ range is becoming extended, the presence of individual vagrants or the specie’s transplant-type introduction into this region of Colombia. The circunstances regarding P. ruber’s presence in the Colombian Orinoco region is analysed, possible arrival routes for the species to this region of Colombia are proposed (if one is dealing with an expansion of geographical range) and captive wildlife occupancy are discussed., O trabalho apresenta os primeiros registros do Flamingo-americano (Phoenicopterus ruber) para a região da base da montanha, do departamento de Meta em Orinoquia Colombiana. Foram realizadas três observações sobre a vida silvestre desta espécie em regiões com cultivo de arroz alagado (Oryza sativa) durante os anos de 2008 e 2010. Esses registros demonstram o crescente leque de espécies, e a presença de indivíduos que perderam ás áreas para sobreviver, representando a transposição desta espécie para esta área do país. A situação analisada em P. Ruber na Orinoquia Colombiana propõe a existência de possíveis rotas que permitem a chegada desta espécie a essa região, e discutem as implicações da tendência de manutenção da fauna silvestre em cativeiro.