Conservation and management-oriented ecological research in the coastal zone of Baja California, Mexico |
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Authors: | Escofet Anamaria Espejel Ileana |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Ecología, CICESE, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Apdo. Postal 2732, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., México;(2) Present address: P.O. Box 434844, 92173 San Diego, CA, USA;(3) Facultad de Ciencias, UABC, Km 106 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Apdo. Postal 1880, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., México |
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Abstract: | This paper presents the main results of two studies of contrasting natural and man-induced conditions along the Pacific coast
of Baja California (Mexico), based on the assumption that ecological insight can be obtained from man-induced modifications
insofar as relevant activities are explicitly addressed as parts of the systems under study. The study is concerned with a
fragmented coastal succulent-sage scrub and showed that several patches of different size and age may harbor as many species
as non-fragmented areas, and that 83% of the original species assemblage persisted in the fragments, in which the invasion
by opportunistic exotic species may not progress beyond certain limits. The study of dune-backed and urban-backed beaches
showed a significantly greater abundance of the Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) at the dune-backed beach, where a much more active back-shore feeding of adult birds and the only evidences of breeding
occurred. Both studies refer to landscape features of regional concern and its results may be used in conservation management.
The results on fragmented coastal succulentsage scrub may encourage alternative urban designs that keep patches of the original
landscape, thus meeting existing requirements of low density urban development for most of the coastal succulent-sage scrub
area. The evidence presented on the negative effects of dune destruction on the abundance, feeding and reproductive performance
of a threatened bird species has a bearing on the topic of biodiversity management. It may also contribute to the conservation
of the coastal dunes system. |
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Keywords: | Biodiversity Charadrius alexandrinus Ecological impact analysis Natural experiment Touristic development Urban development |
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