Conservação das aves marinhas em Abrolhos, Bahia, Brasil: viabilidade populacional de Phaethon Aethereus e padrões de forrageamento e uso do mar de Sula spp

Abstract

Seabird populations are widely declining due a combination of threats, such as destruction of nest sites and introduced predators. The Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) is a tropical, colonially nesting seabird. In Brazil, this species has a highly restricted distribution, with a small, isolated breeding colony located within the Abrolhos National Park. This is the most southerly population in the western Atlantic, and among the most southerly in its global distribution. In this study we conduct a population viability analysis of Phaethon aethereus in Abrolhos to estimate the impacts of predation by invasive rats on eggs and fledglings and to guide management actions. Our results indicate high levels of population stability under natural conditions (under absence of invasive rodents). However, predation by rats was identified as a significant threat with the potential to quickly drive the population into serious decline. To effectively reduce this threat, we suggest the urgent implementation of a rat eradication/control program.