Author(s)

H. Castro-Nogueira, E. Lopez-Carrique & P. A. Aguilera

Abstract

Monitoring of the aquatic bird community in the salt pans of Cabo de Gata (Spain) was undertaken in 1995. Abundance, species richness and diversity were correlated with environmental variables (physico-chemical and invertebrate density). Maximum waterbird diversity was observed in the ponds with lowest salinity and maximum surface area, water depth and diversity of invertebrate species. Salinity was not a limiting factor for invertebrate density and this fact enabled an even occupation of all of the wetland area by aquatic birds. Options for management are proposed for these artificial wetlands, whose futur

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