IMIS - Marine Onderzoeksgroepen

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has created the first Atlas of breeding marine bird colonies in the Lesser Antillean region of the Caribbean using a consistent methodology for all EPIC field studies. This Atlas includes estimates of the breeding population size, location, and site-specific threats for surveyed colonies in the Lesser Antilles from 2001 to 2010. Through broadening partnerships and funding, our goal is to periodically update this dataset while also addressing threats identified at priority sites. The few data sets available for the Caribbean indicate that seabird populations are declining at alarming levels. As such, it is currently impractical to effectively prioritize and justify conservation projects to preserve the biodiversity of this region. Major causes for this decline include disturbance, habitat destruction, and predation. Some undocumented breeding populations have certainly disappeared without notice. Most Caribbean seabird populations are estimated using antiquated or incomplete records. By systematically documenting the breeding seabirds of the rapidly developing Lesser Antilles,this Atlas offers the first comprehensive regional perspective on seabird populations using consistent methodology.