A working group has been set up to protect and conserve the Isla de los Reyes Rocuant Beach in Chile, a very important site for the reproduction of the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus).
The “Rocuant-Andalién-Vasco Da Gama-Paicaví-Tucapel Bajo” wetland system is located in the metropolitan area of Concepción, in south-central Chile, forming a valuable conservation landscape. In particular, the Isla de los Reyes Rocuant sector is a critical habitat for shorebirds and specifically for the nesting of the American Oystercatcher, regularly hosting > 1% of the population (up to 5% in some non-breeding periods) and 120 breeding pairs have been counted in an area of 80 hectares of beach.
This species is impacted by threats to its breeding and wintering sites in Chile due to the traffic of motorized vehicles, destruction of nests, predation of eggs and chicks by dogs (with and without owners) and habitat loss due to real estate development. During the 2008-2009 season, the nesting pairs were surveyed on a beach in the central zone located between Quintero and Mantagua. 50-60 pairs were counted, but there was no reproductive success.
American Oystercatcher eggs and chicks at Isla de los Reyes Rocuant Beach, Chile. Photos: Patricio Ortiz.
Additionally, the site harbors considerable biodiversity and abundance of other bird species such as the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus), Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) and Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba).
Considering the critical importance of the Isla de los Reyes Rocuant for the reproductive success of the species on the Chilean coast, the working group will develop collective solutions to the threats in the area through access to information, communication, and coordination. Participants include the Regional Ministries of Environment and National Assets, the GEF Coastal Wetlands Project, the WHSRN Executive Office – Manomet, the Municipality of Talcahuano, the Maritime Government of Talcahuano, the NGO Aumén Astilleros ASMAR, and Audubon Americas. The working group is coordinated by the Regional Secretariat of the Ministry of the Environment of the Bíobío Region and Fundación Bandada.
American Oystercatcher at Isla de los Reyes Rocuant Beach, Chile. Photo: Diego Luna Quevedo
Patricio Ortiz, one of the coordinators of the working group from Fundación Bandada, noted that “this working group was created to implement concrete actions to ensure the reproductive success of the American Oystercatcher, through community engagement, collaborative management of the beach, and reduction of threats”.
Among the goals initially set by the working group for 2022-23 is the designation of a WHSRN site, a participatory process to create zones for different uses on the beach, and the implementation of measures to protect the nesting of the American Oystercatcher during the next breeding season. Beginning in late August temporary fences and informative signage will be used to protect nests. Partners will also work to establish a protected area status for the area.
American Oystercatchers at Isla de los Reyes Rocuant Beach, Chile. Photos: Diego Luna Quevedo (left) and Patricio Ortiz (right)
This local conservation process has been developed within the framework of the project “Delivering Shorebird Conservation at Local and National Scales” implemented by Manomet with the support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation. For more information contact Diego Luna Quevedo, WHSRN Executive Office or Patricio Ortiz.
Cover Photo: American Oystercatcher chicks. Photo: Patricio Ortiz.
