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The role of human compliance for management actions to protect breeding shorebirds in coastal ecosystems

Info

Pages
83 – 89

Published
15 October 18

Authors
Glenda D. Hevia, Luis O. Bala

DOI
10.18194/ws.00110

Correspondence
Glenda Hevia
hevia@cenpat-conicet.gob.ar
Grupo de Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de Fauna Silvestre – Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR), CCT CENPAT – CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina

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Abstract: Driven by the awareness that protection of shorebirds breeding on coastal ecosystems, including sandy, gravel, and mixed shores, very much depends on human behavior and that activities developed in breeding areas could be a substantial threat to many shorebird populations, we here review and discuss evidence of the effects of human disturbance on breeding shorebirds and the state of knowledge for management actions conducted to protect them. We also present a case study using symbolic fencing as a pilot management action at a key breeding ground for Two-banded Plovers Charadrius falklandicus in Patagonia, Argentina, and discuss from our learned lessons how testing human compliance could be improved. We also discuss the role of human compliance for the implementation of management techniques and how changing human behavior could play a key role in the management of habitats for breeding shorebirds, the very same areas used as recreation landscapes by humans. Lastly, we recommend that general clear communication and enforcement of rules are needed, but also education campaigns aimed at changing human attitudes are paramount for the protection of shorebird habitats in coastal ecosystems.