Th e Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) is one of the most common and abundant species in Brazil's aquatic environments, but little is known about its natural history. Th is study elaborates and quantitatively evaluates the ethogram and seasonal abundance of this species at Lake Açu, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Between August 2013 and July 2014, behaviors were registered by the ad libitum sampling method and quantifi ed by the continuous recording during 30-min sessions. Th e mean number of sighted individuals per month was 30.41 ± 4.79. Abundance was higher during the dry season (41.5 ± 5.36) compared to the rainy season (19.33 ± 4.81) (t = 3.07, P = 0.01). A total of 42 behaviors were described and grouped into fi ve behavioral categories: maintenance (83.59%), ingestion/excretion (10.67%), locomotion (3.48%), play (1.65%), and agonistic behavior (0.61%). Th e time spent in these categories did not vary signifi cantly between the morning and afternoon periods. Th is study can be used as a starting point for further ethological studies on the species.
Artificial wetlands can play an important role in waterbird conservation due to habitat loss and degradation of natural wetlands. Urban reservoirs can harbor waterbird communities, but they usually have lower biological diversity than natural wetlands. However, the value of reservoirs for waterbird conservation in urban areas needs further exploration. Here, we surveyed the waterbird community in a water-level controlled reservoir of an urban area in southeastern Brazil. We evaluate the seasonal variation in species composition, richness, and abundance. Monthly samplings were carried out between July 2017 and February 2018, through a boat line transect. A total of 7762 waterbirds were recorded, belonging to 32 species and 16 families. There were significant differences in species composition and abundance between dry and rainy seasons. The community was dominated by generalist and resident species, which Gallinula galeata and Jacana jacana were the most abundant species. We did not register migratory shorebirds during the surveys. Our results highlight the importance of reservoirs in urban areas, as they harbor feeding areas and breeding sites and may serve as refuges during dry seasons for resident waterbirds. We suggest management strategies to improve the importance of waterlevel controlled reservoirs as breeding areas for resident species and migratory stopover for shorebirds. Our results may also be considered for urban planning and waterbird conservation in urban areas.
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