Exploring the species composition and abundance of shorebirds at Santos Beach

Abstract

Brazil is a country rich in birds, with 1,971 known species. The coastal and estuarine regions of the country are particularly rich, due to the availability of food in these environments. In southeastern Brazil, Ilha-Comprida is a region widely studied in relation to birds, but the city of Santos is practically absent in such studies. In this sense, the present study aims to measure the species richness and abundance of birds in Praia de Santos. Twenty-four sampling campaigns were carried out over a period of 12 months, at six points on the beach, divided by the city's canals, through observations at fixed points lasting 15 minutes. A richness of 21 species was observed, with an average estimate of 31 species for the region. The Laridae family was the most abundant, and Vanellus chilensis was the most abundant species. Abundance was higher at point 1 (Canal 1), but richness was not significantly different between sampled points. However, the proximity of the sampled points to Urubuqueçaba Island, the Xixová-Japuí State Park and Laje de Santos may affect the avifauna composition in Santos Beach.