Costa Rica’s waters had never seen the Pardela Paticlara (Ardenna meat). Moreover, a specimen had never been seen throughout Central America. However, an expedition of scientists from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) found the first sighting of this seabird.
The discovery was made on January 10, during a monitoring departure from Cabuya de Cóbano, some 40 kilometers from Cabo Blanco. This bird was observed next to a group of birds that fodded next to stained dolphins (STETELLA FRONTALIS).
This finding is unusual, because Paticlara brown has a migratory range that goes from the Indian ocean to the coast of Alaska and Californiabut the tropics normally is not its habitat.
“This discovery highlights the importance of continuing with monitoring in key areas such as the Mesoamerican fossa and the marine mountains of the Coco Coin, which are vital for the migration and fodder of many ocean birds,” he said, in statements for the UCR, Sergio Chacón Ariasresearcher and teacher of the regional headquarters of the Atlantic of the UCR and who directed the expedition he found with the finding.
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How is this sea bird?
According to the Ebird Ornithology Portal, this rare sea bird is entirely the color of dark chocolate, but Their legs are rather clearhence his name.
“The Ardenna meat to It is often seen alone or fodder with other brown them. It reproduces in the New Zealand islands. It is not likely to see it from the continent because it remains far from the coast, “says the portal.
The finding also brings hope. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of Pardelas Paticlaras is decreasing and is considered a species in a state “close to the threat.”
This, according to the UCR, also underlines the urgent need to protect these habitats, since this and other species face threats such as loss of habitat and climate change.
“This finding is a clear sign that our waters are an area of convergence for oceanic birds from different parts of the world, which makes the Costa Rican economic zone (ZEE) a strategic point for the protection of these species in danger” , said Chacón.
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The investigation found by the first Pardela Paticlara
The trip in which this brown was documented for the first time is part of the UCR Plumas (Plumare) project. It was financed through the Special Stimulus Fund, and studies the diversity of Zee Birds of Costa Rica. The research has a special approach to the marine ecosystems of the Pacific and the Costa Rican Caribbean.
Scientists have particularly studied marine mountains of the Submarine Volcanic Cordillera del Cocothis is the most extensive mountain range in Central America. It is made up of a chain of mountains, mountains and volcanoes that extend from The Galapagos Islands to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Coco Island is the only point that stands out on the surface throughout the mountain range.
Studies around this mountain range have proven to be fundamental to understand how different ocean birds use these spaces for migration, fodder and reproduction.
Until now, the Marina Plumas project has documented 38 species of ocean birds. These include migratory birds from California and Baja California, as well as Hawaii, New Zealand and Chile.
However, this last finding highlights the richness of biodiversity that Costa Rican marine ecosystems host.
“This type of findings reinforces the urgency of protecting our marine ecosystems, which are essential for the ecological balance and survival of many species, including those that we still do not know,” said Chacón.
The research work does not end here. The Researchers team plans to make new expeditions to key areas such as the Isla del Coco National Park, and will continue with the monitoring to document more findings.
In addition, the creation of a Oceanic Bird Guide that serves for education and for the management of resources in the areas of greatest biodiversity in Costa Rica. But doors can also open to tourism.
“New possibilities for ornithological tourism can be opened, a sector that can contribute significantly to the conservation of our ocean birds and their habitats,” Chacón concluded.
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(Tagstotranslate) Marine Birds (T) Pardela Paticlara (T) University of Costa Rica
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