Physical evidence of metapopulation structure in the Caribbean Flamingo ( Phoenicopterus ruber ruber ) from sightings of banded individuals.

Physical evidences of the metapopulation structure in Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) from sighting of banded birds

 

ABSTRACT

Presented are 34 records of Caribbean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) banded between 1999 and 2014 in Yucatan, which have been sighted in the United States, Cuba and Cayman Islands and are maintained in the SIAM (Suivi Individuel d'Animaux Marqués) database maintained by Niños y Crías A.C. in Mexico. Most of the records show periodic movement between Yucatan and Cuba. These records provide evidence of the metapopulation behavior of the species in the Caribbean by showing that individuals can regularly move between countries in the region, to areas where they can remain stable, return to their country of origin or reproduce. These also corroborate the need for a coordinated effort at the regional level to conserve populations of this charismatic species and encourage ring reading in the different countries.

ABSTRACT

We present 34 records of Caribbean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) banded between 1999 and 2014 in Yucatan, that have been reported from United States, Cuba and Cayman Island. These records are included in a regional database named SIAM (Suivi Individuel d'Animaux Marqués) maintained by the Mexican organization Niños y Crías A.C. Most records are from Cuba showing a periodical birds movement between countries. This provide more evidences of a metapopulation structure for the species in the Caribbean by showing that birds can regularly fly between counties, into new areas where they can stay foraging, return or reproduce. The data also corroborate the need of a coordinated efforts at regional level to preserve this species and promote band reporting in different countries.

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