Resumen

MARIN, Gedio et al. ECOLOGICAL PROFILE OF THE AVIFAUNA IN THE VENEZUELAN EASTERN PLAINS AS A FUNCTION OF ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.6, pp.385-390. ISSN 0378-1844.

Because of their phytophysiographical features, the Venezuelan Llanos have traditionally and drastically been affected by agricultural practices, oil exploitation and hunting, mostly in its eastern sector. Between 1998 and 2004 bird inventories were performed, using line transects and mist nets, in habitats corresponding to four ecological units: riparian-morichal (GM), deciduous forest (BT), savanna (SA) and lagoon (LA). Species richness, constancy and sensitivity of birds were estimated. A total of 206 species, grouped in 51 families and 18 orders, were recorded. The largest numbers of species corresponded to the Tyrannidae (34), Emberizidae (25), Accipitridae (12), Icteridae (10), Psittacidae (9) and Columbidae (9) families. The GM ecosystem showed the highest variety of birds. Of the species present in GM, 32.03% (66) were common to BT, 21.35% (44) to SA and 5.33% (11) to LA. The constancy study showed 48 common, 81 accessory and 112 accidental species. The highest sensitivity percentages were exhibited by GM (S=28.48%) and BT (24.62%), as they concentrated a higher number of threatened and/or hunting species. The avifauna of the Eastern Llanos is strongly disturbed by a wide range of human activities. In future management and conservation strategies, the studies should be linked to realist spaces ought to be selected where the largest bird diversity is present. A detailed map of disturbed or endangered areas is urgently needed, as well as information exchange between landowners and environmentalists in order to warrant the application of conservation plans to be developed.

Palabras clave : Avifauna ; Impacto Antrópico ; Llanos Orientales Venezolanos .