STATE OF HABITAT CONSERVATION FOR THE SANDHILL CRANE (Grus Canadensis) AND ASSOCIATED ANATIDAE IN WETLANDS

Abstract

A study was developed with the purpose of understanding the abundance and state of conservation of the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) and migratory Anatidae in the priority wetlands that house them during the fall and winter seasons, in a sample of 24 sites with air and land monitoring. The results show that there was presence of sandhill crane in five reservoirs, with a total of 48 individuals, 17% of which were present over reed vegetation and 83% fed on the banks of the dams. During the months of November and December, 100% of the reservoirs sampled had water, with an average supply of >50% of their capacity, by the month of February completely dry saline lagoons were observed, and an average supply of 41% at the reservoirs with a moderate degree of erosion close to 5.62. The months November and December had abundant food for the cranes, product of rainfed maize (Zea mays) harvesting. In February, the cranes abandoned the Zacatecas wetlands and most of the lagoons were at 4 % of their supply. From November to February the abundance of ducks was 12,430 individuals and 4,560 geese. The habitat around the wetlands showed that local livestock production uses the vegetation at a level over 80 %, with the consequence of over-grazing. Based on the abundance of sandhill crane recorded, it is estimated that the semi-arid region of Zacatecas, México, is the southern limit of its migration, and that it may be in risk of disappearing in the area due to a low level of conservation and use of wetlands, while the associated Anatidae have greater availability of habitat during their migration and stay in the area.