Distribuição espaço-temporal e possível influência do vento no registro de aves marinhas do gênero Sterna e Thalasseus resgatadas na praia de Galinhos/RN

Abstract

Sterna and Thalasseus species such as Sterna hirundo (Common tern), Sterna dougallii (Roseate tern), Thalasseus acuflavidus eurygnathus (Cabots tern) and Sterna hirundinacea (South American Tern), Order Charadriiformes and Family Laridae, have been recorded in the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil. These species are under threat in the Galinhos, in Rio Grande do Norte, due to collisions with power lines, which can impact birds in different ways. Many factors can influence the collision with power lines, and the aim of the present study was to analyze records of these four Sterna and Thalasseus species in the Galinhos, including information on temporal data of collisions and how wind speed and wind direction can affect the seabirds making them more vulnerable to collisions. The present study was based on analyze of data on records of S. hirundo, S. dougallii, T. acuflavidus eurygnathus, S. hirundinacea and individuals of unidentified Sterna species (alive or dead) collected between 2010-2021 during Beach Monitoring Project in the Potiguar Basin, which was conducted by Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN). Results on temporal data revealed a large number of recoveries in 2017 and 2020, with more frequency of occurrence between October and March, and in the morning. There was no correlation between the wind speed and the recoveries but the data analysis indicated a strong relation between collisions and wind to south-direction. The results revealed a better understanding of anthropogenic impact on the recorded migratory species in the study site, highlighting the need of public policies considering mitigatory measures to problem-solve the collisions.