Effect of Firework Festivities on Bird Richness and Abundance at a Natural Protected Wetland in Central Mexico

Abstract

Firework festivities have been present in the culture and traditions of many human populations around the world, however their effects on bird populations in natural habitats are not well understood. Changes in bird species richness and abundance related to two firework festivities at the lagoon of Zumpango, Mexico, were evaluated in March and April of 2019. Six point counts were established at the edge of the lagoon to record bird species richness and abundance before, during, and after the events. Additionally, noise levels were measured at each point-count. In total, 80 bird species were observed, including 49 aquatic species. The most abundant were Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor). The values of species richness and abundance significantly decreased the days when the events took place, while noise levels increased. Furthermore, basal noise levels (mean = 54.80 dB) are considered high for this natural protected area. Results show that high impact human festivities have negative consequences for birds, and these activities should be limited or restricted in regional, national, and globally important bird conservation areas such as the lagoon of Zumpango.