Estructura y distribución de la comunidad de aves acuáticas en el Mar Menor y su relación con los gradientes ambientales existentes

Résumé

From 2006 to 2008, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of the structure and composition of the fraction of the waterbird community of the Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain) that ranges and exploits the centre of the water mass, at different levels of organization, and in relation to existing environmental gradients. We assessed the role of certain species as indicators of human disturbance and trophic status of water. Among the main results, we highlight the existence of opposite gradients of diversity and abundance associated with a marine-continental gradient, with Mediterranean influence favouring species diversity and continental influences total waterbird abundance. It has also been observed that areas with high nutrient loads and low hydrodynamics limit the diversity of species, favoured in more open areas of moderate trophic status. Larus ridibundus and Mergus serrator show a negative response to trophic change. Podiceps cristatus stands out as the best indicator of intermediate levels of eutrophication