Distribution and trends in Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) breeding populations in South America

YORIO, P.; BRANCO, J.; LENZI, J.; LUNA-JORQUERA, G.; ZAVALAGA, C.

WATERBIRDS (DE LEON SPRINGS, FLA.)

WATERBIRD SOC

Año: 2016 vol. 39 p. 114 - 135

1524-4695

InSouth America, Kelp Gulls (Larusdominicanus) breed from Chilean Tierra del Fuego north to Río de Janeiro,Brazil, on the Atlantic coast and to Piura, Peru, on the Pacific coast. Thisreview presents the first synthesis of information on the distribution and sizeof Kelp Gull colonies at the country level in coastal environments of Uruguay,Chile and Peru; provides an update on the breeding situation of the species inBrazil and Argentina; and allows the first evaluation of the overall coastal breedingpopulation in South America. The breeding population in South America is nowestimated to number at least 160,000 pairs. The largest population (at least106,000 breeding pairs) is found in Argentina. Colonies of more than 1,000pairs are uncommon. Population trends differed among coastal sectors, andimportant increases in numbers and formation of new colonies were only observedin Argentina. Available information suggests that predictable and abundantanthropogenic food subsidies, such as fishery discards and urban waste, are keyfactors contributing to the population growth in some coastal sectors. There isno strong evidence that Kelp Gulls are currently expanding their breeding range.However, given the population expansion in some areas and the potentialconflicts with humans, ongoing monitoring efforts and population evaluationsare necessary as they will provide the information required to supportmanagement decisions.