The exploitation of intertidal food resources in Inhaca bay, Mozambique, by shorebirds and humans

The intertidal areas on Inhaca island provide important food resources for shorebirds as well as the local population. Average bird density is 2-6 individuals/ha during summer, decreasing to 0.3 in winter, which is one of the lowest records for the African coasts. Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus and cur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological Conservation
Main Authors: de Boer, W.F., Longamane, F.A.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 1996
Subjects:
abundance
banc-darguin
berg river estuary
callianassa-kraussi
disturbance
mauritania
responses
south-africa
waders
waterbirds
Numenius phaeopus
Whimbrel
Online Access:https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/the-exploitation-of-intertidal-food-resources-in-inhaca-bay-mozam
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(96)00050-X
Description
Summary:The intertidal areas on Inhaca island provide important food resources for shorebirds as well as the local population. Average bird density is 2-6 individuals/ha during summer, decreasing to 0.3 in winter, which is one of the lowest records for the African coasts. Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus and curlew sandpipers Calidris ferrugineaare the most abundant species. Total littoral fauna consumption is low, estimated at 2.5 g ash-free dry weight/m2/year, of which only 18% is harvested by humans. Species preferences, numbers and weights are given for humans who collect invertebrates. The influence of human presence on bird behaviour is measured, using Minimal Approach Distances (MAD), foraging activity changes and people-bird abundance correlation. Larger birds have longer MADs and their foraging activity decreases earlier when approached by humans. The large, territorial whimbrel is most influenced by human presence and this interference competition is responsible for a 34% reduction of foraging time.

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