Abundance of Hudsonian Godwits (Limosa haemastica) and Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) in two marine wetlands on Quinchao Island, Chiloé, southern Chile

This study focuses on the abundance of Hudsonian Godwits (Limosa haemastica) and Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) in two marine wetlands on Quinchao Island, in the Chiloé Archipelago, southern Chile. Over a ten-year period (2010-2020), seasonal counts were conducted in the wetlands of Curaco de Vélez and Chullec. The results indicate fluctuations in the abundance of both species, with significant seasonal differences, especially between winter and summer. Annual median abundances for Hudsonian Godwits were 2450 individuals in Curaco de Vélez and 3450 in Chullec, while for Whimbrels they were 79.5 and 72.5 individuals respectively. The data suggest that both wetlands are important wintering sites for the conservation of this birds. The study highlights the importance of protecting the Chullec marine wetland, currently without legal protection, similar to Curaco de Vélez as a Nature Sanctuary, for effective and integrated conservation of these migratory species