ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE RED KNOT (CALIDRIS CANUTUS) IN ROCHA, URUGUAY.

MARTÍNEZ CURCI N.S.; A FALLABRINO

Congreso; 3rd Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group Meeting; 2009

The Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) is a threatened subspecies whose population has declined dramatically over the past 20 years. Although little is known about this bird in Uruguay, recent observations indicate that significant numbers of this subspecies make regular use of the coastal area in the southeastern part of the country, especially during northbound migration. From 21 to 29 March 2008 daily counts were conducted on the coast between La Coronilla (33° 54´ S; 53° 30´ O) and Barra del Chuy (33° 46´ S; 53° 24´ O), Rocha, Uruguay. A total of 256 individuals were recorded feeding in the area, in groups that ranged from 7 to 163 birds; the largest flock was observed in Barra del Chuy, where 163 individuals were seen on 28 March. However, flocks were found more frequently 5 km to the south, where most of the rest of the individuals were recorded. Fifteen individuals were banded: 7 in Argentina, 7 in U.S.A. and 1 in Canada. These records along with the occurrence of a mortality event that involved more than 300 individuals in April 2007 indicate that the area represents an important stopover site for these shorebirds. Additional field work will be conducted in 2009 to determine the value of the area for this subspecies and establish a conservation program that may help in its recovery.