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Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic seabirds in South America: A review

Abstract:

We analyzed reports of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic seabirds with migration routes over seven South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela). Forty-eight species were reported, observed over oceanic and/or coastal areas. Chile presented the highest number of Antarctic seabird species (39), followed closely by Brazil (38). Diomedea exulans, D. epomophora, Thalassarche melanophris, Macronectes giganteus, Fulmarus glacialoides, Pachyptila desolota and Oceanites oceanicus were the most common species, recorded in six of the seven searched countries. The least reported species were Pygoscelis adeliae, Thalassoica antarctica, Pagodroma nivea, Pachyptila salvini and Pterodroma inexpectata, observed in one country each. According to the IUCN, the species with migration routes over the South American countries are considered endangered (three species), vulnerable (eight species) and near threatened (eight species). Consequently, it is important to protect not only breeding habitats in the Antarctic environment, but their entirely migration routes over South America.