|
|
These are the approved symposia for the 7th Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group Meeting.
SYMPOSIUM: "SHOREBIRD STUDIES IN PERU"
|
Organizer: Yaquelin Tenorio Leyva
Institution: Center for Ornithology and Biodiversity - CORBIDI |
Summary
Migratory shorebirds can spend more than 70% of the year at wintering and migratory stopover sites. The conservation of many of these species depends on our ability to understand the factors that affect their populations during the non-breeding season. Peru is an important point of residence for these birds, since it houses more than 52 species of shorebirds. For more than 20 years, the shorebird research community has recognized the lack of knowledge of these species. Shorebirds are thought to be declining worldwide, but we do not have the necessary tools to determine the current population sizes and trends of shorebirds in Peru. The little information that exists on these species is scattered or unpublished, so the 7th meeting of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group (WHSGM) will host this symposium in order to congregate scientists to discuss about the problems and issues related to shorebirds in Peru.
Keywords: Shorebirds, Study, conservation, migration, Peru.
Justification
Migratory shorebirds can spend more than 70% of the year at wintering and migratory stopover sites. The conservation of many of these species depends on our ability to understand the factors that affect their populations during the non-breeding season. Peru is an important point of residence for these birds, since it houses more than 52 species of shorebirds. For more than 20 years, the shorebird research community has recognized the lack of knowledge of these species. Shorebirds are thought to be declining worldwide, but we do not have the necessary tools to determine the current population sizes and trends of shorebirds in Peru. The little information that exists on these species is scattered or unpublished, so the 7th meeting of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group (WHSGM) will host this symposium in order to congregate scientists to discuss about the problems and issues related to shorebirds in Peru.
Keywords: Shorebirds, Study, conservation, migration, Peru.
Justification
- Share studies that are currently being conducted on shorebirds in Peru.
- Obtain tools that help in making decisions for shorebird conservation.
- Develop coordinated projects among experts to identify research and conservation priorities, discuss strategies, and funding possibilities for shorebirds in Peru.
- Strengthen the capacities of local researchers to increase knowledge of Peruvian shorebird species.
SYMPOSIUM: "SHOREBIRDS TROPHIC ECOLOGY"
|
Organizers:
Luis Oscar Bala & Juan G. Navedo Institutions: Instituto Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus-CONICET) Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnologicas, Universidad Austral de Chile. |
Summary
This Symposium will provide a forum to exchange studies, experiences and methodologies related to the study of trophic ecology of shorebirds.
Keywords: Diet, predator-prey, energy, coevolution, space-time constraints, food supply, parasites.
Justification
Shorebirds are highly specialized for long journeys with few stops and for benefiting from the food resources found at the wetlands they frequent. Usually these sites are highly productive and receive periodic pulses of high concentration of shorebirds. It is important to consider the conditions of the food supply during the times when the bird populations are present to exploit it during stopovers and during the non-breeding season. These conditions are related to the quality (appropriate size, palatability, energy content, biomass contribution or toxicity), amount (present in high densities) and accessibility (burial depth, coriaceous or defense structures). Theoretically, the availability of food should be optimal during migration windows. The benefit of performing long migrations must compensate the remarkable energy expenditure involved. Further, predation pressure on shorebirds is usually very intense in these areas, and, therefore, the resulting interactions trigger complex ecological and evolutionary processes. In addition to consumption of biofilm, evolutionary adjustments on the shorebirds’ side include physiological and morpho-evolutionary adaptations to optimize food intake, whereas for the invertebrate-prey, the adaptations were oriented towards avoidance of capture.
General Objetive
This symposium aims to bring together different specialists who can present their studies, observations and experiences on aspects of trophic ecology in wetlands that serve as bottlenecks for sustaining shorebird populations. It is expected to generate discussion on possible co-evolutionary processes generated from the interactions between predators and food supply.
It aims to update the state of knowledge on themes such as:
This Symposium will provide a forum to exchange studies, experiences and methodologies related to the study of trophic ecology of shorebirds.
Keywords: Diet, predator-prey, energy, coevolution, space-time constraints, food supply, parasites.
Justification
Shorebirds are highly specialized for long journeys with few stops and for benefiting from the food resources found at the wetlands they frequent. Usually these sites are highly productive and receive periodic pulses of high concentration of shorebirds. It is important to consider the conditions of the food supply during the times when the bird populations are present to exploit it during stopovers and during the non-breeding season. These conditions are related to the quality (appropriate size, palatability, energy content, biomass contribution or toxicity), amount (present in high densities) and accessibility (burial depth, coriaceous or defense structures). Theoretically, the availability of food should be optimal during migration windows. The benefit of performing long migrations must compensate the remarkable energy expenditure involved. Further, predation pressure on shorebirds is usually very intense in these areas, and, therefore, the resulting interactions trigger complex ecological and evolutionary processes. In addition to consumption of biofilm, evolutionary adjustments on the shorebirds’ side include physiological and morpho-evolutionary adaptations to optimize food intake, whereas for the invertebrate-prey, the adaptations were oriented towards avoidance of capture.
General Objetive
This symposium aims to bring together different specialists who can present their studies, observations and experiences on aspects of trophic ecology in wetlands that serve as bottlenecks for sustaining shorebird populations. It is expected to generate discussion on possible co-evolutionary processes generated from the interactions between predators and food supply.
It aims to update the state of knowledge on themes such as:
|
· Models of trophic ecology.
• Methodology of measuring food supply. • Techniques on reconstruction of diet. • Energy dynamics. • Food budgets. |
• Host-parasite relationships.
• Physiological adaptations. • Space-time limitations. • Exploitation of trophic subsidies. • Toxicity and energy balance. |
SYMPOSIUM: "WITHIN-SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN MIGRATION STRATEGIES"
|
Organizers: Jesse Conklin & Yvonne Verkuil
Institution: University of Groningen |
Summary
Individuals in a species or a population can differ greatly in migration behavior, for example in (1) scheduling of movements or molt, (2) duration of non-stop flights and stopovers, or (3) management of trade-offs between time and energy.
The mechanisms driving this variation will dictate whether these differences will stably co-exist or lead to the evolution of different populations.
What differences are you seeing in your population(s) or at your study site, and what factors are contributing to this variation?
Keywords: migration, individual strategy, population differentiation, isolating mechanisms.
Justification
We aim to discuss and gain insight into the mechanisms that lead to differences in migratory behavior between or within populations. This is important for understanding the evolution of present-day flyway populations and how they might respond to changing circumstances.
Individuals in a species or a population can differ greatly in migration behavior, for example in (1) scheduling of movements or molt, (2) duration of non-stop flights and stopovers, or (3) management of trade-offs between time and energy.
The mechanisms driving this variation will dictate whether these differences will stably co-exist or lead to the evolution of different populations.
What differences are you seeing in your population(s) or at your study site, and what factors are contributing to this variation?
Keywords: migration, individual strategy, population differentiation, isolating mechanisms.
Justification
We aim to discuss and gain insight into the mechanisms that lead to differences in migratory behavior between or within populations. This is important for understanding the evolution of present-day flyway populations and how they might respond to changing circumstances.
SYMPOSIUM: "ESTIMATING SEASONAL SURVIVORSHIP IN SHOREBIRDS"
|
Organizer: Erica Nol
Institution: Trent University |
Summary
While we are well on the way to understanding patterns of annual reproductive success in shorebirds, and these data have been useful in demographic modeling, the ability to partition survivorship seasonally (e.g., during breeding, migration and non-breeding) has lagged behind due to the difficulties in obtaining appropriate parameter estimates in one or two of the three life stages. This symposium will highlight both methods and results of attempts to document seasonal patterns of survival and to assess the extent to which knowledge of seasonal patterns can help identify the most critical demographic periods for shorebird conservation.
Keywords: survival, seasonal, conservation implications.
Justification
The justification of this symposium is that annual survival does not identify the key periods of an animal's life that result in the highest mortality rates, or the extent to which mortality is exacerbated by human or climate related activities.
While we are well on the way to understanding patterns of annual reproductive success in shorebirds, and these data have been useful in demographic modeling, the ability to partition survivorship seasonally (e.g., during breeding, migration and non-breeding) has lagged behind due to the difficulties in obtaining appropriate parameter estimates in one or two of the three life stages. This symposium will highlight both methods and results of attempts to document seasonal patterns of survival and to assess the extent to which knowledge of seasonal patterns can help identify the most critical demographic periods for shorebird conservation.
Keywords: survival, seasonal, conservation implications.
Justification
The justification of this symposium is that annual survival does not identify the key periods of an animal's life that result in the highest mortality rates, or the extent to which mortality is exacerbated by human or climate related activities.
SYMPOSIUM: "IMPROVING HABITAT THROUGH MANAGEMENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE"
|
Organizers: Monica Iglecia & Diego Luna Quevedo
Institution: MANOMET |
Summary
Shorebirds face a myriad of threats throughout their annual cycle. Improving conditions for shorebirds at critical sites along their migratory routes can require a multi-pronged approach. Shorebird conservation actions can include land and coastal system management, people management, and improving the capacity of local processes to build agreements about land use and habitat conservation. In this symposium, we will explore the interface between habitat management and good governance and their roles in improving habitats for shorebirds. The symposium will include presentations and time for open discussion.
Keywords: Conservation, habitat, good governance, management.
Justification
the objectives of this symposium are to:
• Provide symposium participants with a broad view of conservation actions that are possible at sites.
• Share lessons learned about habitat management and governance.
• Explore best practices.
• Answer common questions and discuss challenges.
Shorebirds face a myriad of threats throughout their annual cycle. Improving conditions for shorebirds at critical sites along their migratory routes can require a multi-pronged approach. Shorebird conservation actions can include land and coastal system management, people management, and improving the capacity of local processes to build agreements about land use and habitat conservation. In this symposium, we will explore the interface between habitat management and good governance and their roles in improving habitats for shorebirds. The symposium will include presentations and time for open discussion.
Keywords: Conservation, habitat, good governance, management.
Justification
the objectives of this symposium are to:
• Provide symposium participants with a broad view of conservation actions that are possible at sites.
• Share lessons learned about habitat management and governance.
• Explore best practices.
• Answer common questions and discuss challenges.
For more information: |
| ||
SYMPOSIUM: "TOOLS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD POPULATIONS: MONITORING PHYSICAL CONDITION OF INDIVIDUALS"
|
Organizer: Veronica D'Amico
Institution: CESIMAR-CENPAT-CONICET, Argentina. |
Summary
Conservation of migratory shorebirds presents major challenges related to habitat loss, climate change, risks of parasite and pathogen acquisition, increased predators, and changes in food availability at sites they use. These factors are some of those responsible for trends in shorebird populations around the world. While efforts have been made throughout the Americas to conserve habitats and sustain populations of shorebird species over the past few years, many species continue to have declining populations.
The migratory flight is the period of greatest energy demand, and therefore the birds must be in optimal physical condition to successfully cover long distances to reach nesting sites and to assure their survival during these demanding periods. Inefficient physical condition could result in birds needing to perform more feeding bouts at unknown sites, increased exposure to predators, and result in compromised immune systems, implying that they would be more likely to develop parasitic infections or diseases during migration. Therefore, basic information on the general physical condition of the birds would provide indispensable insight for the decision and planning of conservation strategies, and thus allow for the harmonization of natural events with human activities. This symposium will highlight research on the overall physical condition of migratory shorebirds at sites they use throughout their life cycle.
Keywords: Physical condition, blood parameters, parasites and pathogens, migratory scale sites, reproductive sites.
Justification
The main objective is to show current research on monitoring the physical condition of migratory shorebirds as a diagnostic tool for the population status of species. The evaluation of the physical condition involves measurements that allow an assessment whether the individuals are recovering their energy/nutritional condition after a migration, or are investing in preserving their immunity, and that allow determination of exposure to disease-causing parasites and pathogens. This symposium proposes talks related to the hematological parameters as indicators of the physical condition of birds during periods of migration, reproduction and over-summering, the risk of acquisition of parasites and pathogens during the migratory route, and the ecological and sanitary implications of the helminth parasites of shorebirds. The use of indicators of physical condition has become important because they can alert on changes in the status of individuals even before they adversely affect their reproductive or survival capacity, thus allowing early detection of the problem and the taking of measures to mitigate it. Thus, these indicators can become important tools for enabling conservation actions at those places where the birds are most vulnerable.
Number of participants
Proposed speakers and topics:
Conservation of migratory shorebirds presents major challenges related to habitat loss, climate change, risks of parasite and pathogen acquisition, increased predators, and changes in food availability at sites they use. These factors are some of those responsible for trends in shorebird populations around the world. While efforts have been made throughout the Americas to conserve habitats and sustain populations of shorebird species over the past few years, many species continue to have declining populations.
The migratory flight is the period of greatest energy demand, and therefore the birds must be in optimal physical condition to successfully cover long distances to reach nesting sites and to assure their survival during these demanding periods. Inefficient physical condition could result in birds needing to perform more feeding bouts at unknown sites, increased exposure to predators, and result in compromised immune systems, implying that they would be more likely to develop parasitic infections or diseases during migration. Therefore, basic information on the general physical condition of the birds would provide indispensable insight for the decision and planning of conservation strategies, and thus allow for the harmonization of natural events with human activities. This symposium will highlight research on the overall physical condition of migratory shorebirds at sites they use throughout their life cycle.
Keywords: Physical condition, blood parameters, parasites and pathogens, migratory scale sites, reproductive sites.
Justification
The main objective is to show current research on monitoring the physical condition of migratory shorebirds as a diagnostic tool for the population status of species. The evaluation of the physical condition involves measurements that allow an assessment whether the individuals are recovering their energy/nutritional condition after a migration, or are investing in preserving their immunity, and that allow determination of exposure to disease-causing parasites and pathogens. This symposium proposes talks related to the hematological parameters as indicators of the physical condition of birds during periods of migration, reproduction and over-summering, the risk of acquisition of parasites and pathogens during the migratory route, and the ecological and sanitary implications of the helminth parasites of shorebirds. The use of indicators of physical condition has become important because they can alert on changes in the status of individuals even before they adversely affect their reproductive or survival capacity, thus allowing early detection of the problem and the taking of measures to mitigate it. Thus, these indicators can become important tools for enabling conservation actions at those places where the birds are most vulnerable.
Number of participants
Proposed speakers and topics:
- Natalia Martinez Cursi: “Physical condition of shorebirds in over-summering”.
- Verónica D’Amico: “Physiological condition of migratory shorebirds on the trophic scale Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia”.
- Kirsten Grond: “Acquisition risk pathogens during the migration route”.
- Sofía Capasso: “Helminth parasites on migratory shorebirds”.
- Glenda Hevia: “Physical condition of two-banded Plover (Charadrius falklandicus) during their breeding season”.
- Catherine Dupont: “Avian Influenza surveillance in migratory birds”.
SYMPOSIUM: "THE MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD PROJECT: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES OF THE AMERICAS THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART CONSERVATION SCIENCE"
|
Organizer: Matthew Reiter
Institution: Point Blue Conservation Science |
Summary
Climate change is a long-term threat that will exacerbate existing pressures such as habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance, and pollution. Wetland managers and conservation decision-makers need to be strategic in their work today in order to set and accomplish management goals that will be sustainable and effective for future generations. The Migratory Shorebird Project (www.migratoryshorebirdproject.org) was initiated in 2011 to establish a coordinated research and monitoring network throughout the non-breeding range of Pacifica Dunlin (Calidris alpina pacifica) and Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri). This hypothesis-driven 10-year project facilitates climate-smart conservation actions because it provides essential knowledge on multiple species and ecosystems over a broad temporal and spatial scale, assesses several current and future threats, and prioritizes the landscape for conservation and management actions. To date, more than 40 organizations in 12 countries are participating in the Migratory Shorebird Project, applying standardized monitoring protocols, and centralizing data through the California Avian Data Center. Our proposed symposium at the Western Hemisphere Group Meeting in Peru 2017 will consist of a series of presentations (6-8) that will highlight setbacks and successes of the Migratory Shorebird Project to support coastal wetland and shorebird conservation today and in the future.
Keywords: Hypothesis, migratory shorebird project, research and monitoring, threats, climate-smart conservation.
Justification
Shorebirds move over extensive landscapes throughout their annual cycle. Understanding factors driving changes in their populations and the effectiveness of conservation measures requires research and monitoring at spatial scales that match these wide-ranging species. The Migratory Shorebird Project is an ambitious attempt to study shorebirds at multiple-spatial scales across the Pacific Coast of the Americas. The broader WHSG will benefit from the science and lessons learned from sharing this project. The objective of the symposium are:
Climate change is a long-term threat that will exacerbate existing pressures such as habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance, and pollution. Wetland managers and conservation decision-makers need to be strategic in their work today in order to set and accomplish management goals that will be sustainable and effective for future generations. The Migratory Shorebird Project (www.migratoryshorebirdproject.org) was initiated in 2011 to establish a coordinated research and monitoring network throughout the non-breeding range of Pacifica Dunlin (Calidris alpina pacifica) and Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri). This hypothesis-driven 10-year project facilitates climate-smart conservation actions because it provides essential knowledge on multiple species and ecosystems over a broad temporal and spatial scale, assesses several current and future threats, and prioritizes the landscape for conservation and management actions. To date, more than 40 organizations in 12 countries are participating in the Migratory Shorebird Project, applying standardized monitoring protocols, and centralizing data through the California Avian Data Center. Our proposed symposium at the Western Hemisphere Group Meeting in Peru 2017 will consist of a series of presentations (6-8) that will highlight setbacks and successes of the Migratory Shorebird Project to support coastal wetland and shorebird conservation today and in the future.
Keywords: Hypothesis, migratory shorebird project, research and monitoring, threats, climate-smart conservation.
Justification
Shorebirds move over extensive landscapes throughout their annual cycle. Understanding factors driving changes in their populations and the effectiveness of conservation measures requires research and monitoring at spatial scales that match these wide-ranging species. The Migratory Shorebird Project is an ambitious attempt to study shorebirds at multiple-spatial scales across the Pacific Coast of the Americas. The broader WHSG will benefit from the science and lessons learned from sharing this project. The objective of the symposium are:
- Highlight this extensive network of research and monitoring along the Pacific Coast of the Americas that includes 12 countries and hundreds of volunteers.
- Share findings from studies of the impact of threats on shorebirds and the benefits of conservation actions.
- Increase awareness of international cooperation and the value of hypothesis-driven coordinated research and monitoring to conserve migratory birds and their habitats.
- Promote understanding of how the Migratory Shorebird Project enables climate-smart conservation.
- Enhance recognition of the value of standardized protocols and centralized data management that enables large-scale research and monitoring.
SYMPOSIUM: "COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR SHOREBIRDS CONSERVATION"
|
Organizers: Diego Luna Quevedo & Laura Chamberlin
Institution: Executive Office of the RHRAP |
Summary
The objectives of the symposium are:
- Sharing lessons and learning about community engagement.
- Explore best practices in strategies to reach communities.
- Respond to common questions and challenges.
The Forum has a presentation by the expert Laura Chamberlin (Executive Office RHRAP) and an open discussion by Diego Luna Quevedo (Executive Office RHRAP) based on the following questions:
- What are the main obstacles to involving people in conservation?
- What have been successful aspects in the community engagement?
- How to move from social networks to citizen action?
- Which tools have been more / less effective and why?
- What would be indicators of a community involved with shorebirds?
Keywords: Communities, participation, conservation.
Justification
Initiatives and projects for community engagement for shorebirds conservation have increased significantly during the last years throughout the hemisphere. Beyond the positive impact and the initiatives, it is a priority to answer common questions in terms of strategies, successful experiences and in particular on how to measure the impact of these actions on effective conservation.
The objectives of the symposium are:
- Sharing lessons and learning about community engagement.
- Explore best practices in strategies to reach communities.
- Respond to common questions and challenges.
The Forum has a presentation by the expert Laura Chamberlin (Executive Office RHRAP) and an open discussion by Diego Luna Quevedo (Executive Office RHRAP) based on the following questions:
- What are the main obstacles to involving people in conservation?
- What have been successful aspects in the community engagement?
- How to move from social networks to citizen action?
- Which tools have been more / less effective and why?
- What would be indicators of a community involved with shorebirds?
Keywords: Communities, participation, conservation.
Justification
Initiatives and projects for community engagement for shorebirds conservation have increased significantly during the last years throughout the hemisphere. Beyond the positive impact and the initiatives, it is a priority to answer common questions in terms of strategies, successful experiences and in particular on how to measure the impact of these actions on effective conservation.
For more information: |
| ||
SYMPOSIUM: "BIOFILM FEEDING BY SHOREBIRDS: CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS"
|
Organizers: Mark Drever y Ron Ydenberg
Institutions: Canadian Wildlife Service Environment and Climate Change Canada Simon Fraser University |
Summary
The discovery that many shorebird species consume surficial biofilm has led to re-interpretation of diets and foraging tactics, the role of shorebirds within foodwebs, and how habitats can support shorebird populations. This symposium will showcase ongoing research on this topic, including the implications for the conservation of shorebirds.
Keywords: biofilm, foraging, carrying capacity, Calidris, stable isotope.
Justification
This area of research is ongoing and a symposium will provide a timely opportunity to review the key underlying uncertainties and the implications of current discoveries.
The discovery that many shorebird species consume surficial biofilm has led to re-interpretation of diets and foraging tactics, the role of shorebirds within foodwebs, and how habitats can support shorebird populations. This symposium will showcase ongoing research on this topic, including the implications for the conservation of shorebirds.
Keywords: biofilm, foraging, carrying capacity, Calidris, stable isotope.
Justification
This area of research is ongoing and a symposium will provide a timely opportunity to review the key underlying uncertainties and the implications of current discoveries.
SYMPOSIUM: "SHOREBIRDS IN THE AMERICAS PRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS"
|
Organizers: Yanira Sifuentes-Sarmiento, Lorena Sforza,
Carlos Ruiz-Guerra, Joaquin Aldabe, Arne Lesterhuis Institution: Asociacion para el estudio y conservacion de las aves acuaticas en Colombia -CALIDRIS. |
Summary
This symposium seeks to raise experiences of research and conservation of shorebirds in the Americas productive systems. Threats will be identified to these productive systems and will be proposed alternatives for their management, which contribute to the conservation of shorebirds and biodiversity.
Keywords: Conservation, productive systems, shorebirds.
Justification
Due to the loss and reduction of the natural habitats of the shorebirds, some production systems such as salt marshes, shrimp farms, rice paddies and grasslands may be key for the migration and reproduction of several species of this group in the American continent. However, the real impact of productive systems on shorebird populations, and the relationship between productive practices and the ecological requirements of shorebirds, is still poorly studied despite the growth of areas destined to this type of production, both in coastal and inland areas. That is why this Symposium aims to continue the contribution of knowledge that in previous years has been consolidating, identify threats and propose alternatives for the maintenance or improvement of these productive systems.
This symposium seeks to raise experiences of research and conservation of shorebirds in the Americas productive systems. Threats will be identified to these productive systems and will be proposed alternatives for their management, which contribute to the conservation of shorebirds and biodiversity.
Keywords: Conservation, productive systems, shorebirds.
Justification
Due to the loss and reduction of the natural habitats of the shorebirds, some production systems such as salt marshes, shrimp farms, rice paddies and grasslands may be key for the migration and reproduction of several species of this group in the American continent. However, the real impact of productive systems on shorebird populations, and the relationship between productive practices and the ecological requirements of shorebirds, is still poorly studied despite the growth of areas destined to this type of production, both in coastal and inland areas. That is why this Symposium aims to continue the contribution of knowledge that in previous years has been consolidating, identify threats and propose alternatives for the maintenance or improvement of these productive systems.
Home
|
General Information
|
Venue and Accomodations
Registration |
Travel Information
|
