Waterbirds as indicators of environmental problems in the Angostura Dam, Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

The Angostura Dam, Tucumán, has undergone many changes in recent years that have changed its bird community. Birds respond to changes in an ecosystem, which makes them good bioindicators. In this study, the richness and abundance of birds in relation to anthropogenic changes that took place at the dam since 2000 and for the following 13 years are described. Transect censuses were conducted in different seasons. Both species richness and abundance of birds showed variations over the years. The aquatic vegetation and surroundings of the dam were the main source for food, nesting and shelter for many resident and migratory species, which were affected by human impacts on the dam.