Waterbird Biodiversity and Conservation Threats in Coastal Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Resumen

Ecuador), the Andean region (highlands), the Amazon jungle (eastern region) and the UNESCO Heritage site, the Galapagos Islands. Of the total number of bird species recorded in Ecuador, 13.6 % or 223 species (Granizo et al., 2002; However, several environmental stressors and human activities threaten the population and survival of waterbirds in both continental Ecuador and the Galapagos. While habitat fragmentation and deforestation, urban sprawl, agriculture, current use pesticides, marine pollution and wetland degradation are the major impacts identified on the Ecuadorian coast, invasive species and pathogens, bycatch (long-line/gillnets) and the regional climate variability are the major threats in the Galapagos Islands. While these conservation threats have been recognized to some degree, most of their impacts have been scarcely identified and assessed. This is critical under the paradigm of conservation biology and preservation of wildlife, depending on science sound data and baseline information intended to support environmental management plans and conservation efforts. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to contribute with a review focused on the conservation status of the biodiversity of aquatic birds and an overall environmental impact assessment of current and looming threats in Ecuador, with special emphasis in the Galapagos Islands. To accomplish this goal, a revision of waterbird species and abundance of seabirds, shorebirds and aquatic birds of freshwater systems will be conducted. The chapter will also include a section describing major features of the natural history and conservation status of priority species, including threatened and endemic species (e.g., Waved Albatross, Galapagos Petrel, Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Horned Screamer, Brownwood Rail, among others), as well as key species for the functioning and health of aquatic ecosystems. This section will be followed by the identification and assessment of current anthropogenic impacts and emerging conservation threats jeopardizing their survival in critical habitats and protected areas. Finally, the chapter will conclude with a section portraying mitigation strategies, recommendations for waterbird conservation and environmental stewardship.