| Cuffy, G. C. 2002. Ecological changes and their impact on avian use of marshes in Caroni Swamp, Trinidad. Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Occasional Paper 11:45-53. ABSTRACT.--Avian species were inventoried at four marsh sites at Caroni, Trinidad, as part of a baseline study assessing the current value of the marshes to birds. Data were sought in light of recent ecological changes to the area and a restoration project that sought to recreate former freshwater conditions within the area. Seventy-two species of birds were recorded. Comparison with earlier inventories revealed that about half of the previously recorded swamp species still occur in the marshes. Migrants comprised 30% of all marsh species. Restoration of the marshes involving the exclusion of seawater via impoundments will likely improve on avian species diversity and population sizes, and enhance the ecological value of the wetland habitat. RESUMEN.--Se estudi� las especies de aves presentes en cuatro pantanos de Caroni, Trinidad, como parte de un estudio b�sico para evaluar el actual valor de los pantanos para las aves. Se buscaron datos a la luz de cambios ecol�gicos recientes del �rea y un proyecto de restauraci�n cuyos fines fueron recrear las condiciones anteriores de agua dulce dentro del �rea. Se registraron 72 especies de aves. Una comparaci�n con inventarios del pasado revelaron que aproximadamente la mitad de las especies de pantano registradas previamente existen a�n en los pantanos. Las especies migratorias constituyen un 30% de las especies de pantano. La restauraci�n de los pantanos que involucre la exclusi�n de agua salada por medio de diques probablemente aumentar�a la diversidad de aves de pantano y el tama�o de poblaciones, y mejorar�a el valor ecol�gico del h�bitat de humedales. KEY WORDS.--birds, coastal management, Caroni Swamp, freshwater, habitat restoration, marshes, saltwater, Trinidad, waterbirds, wetlands |
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| STUDIES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ORNITHOLOGY HONOURING RICHARD FFRENCH Edited by Floyd E. Hayes and Stanley A. Temple Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Occasional Paper 11, 2002 |