Diversity of waterfowl in the marine wetland of Caulín, Chiloé, Southern Chile

Marine wetlands are intertidal areas with depths less than six meters, which stand out for their high biodiversity and the ecosystem services they offer. They are important environments for various species of aquatic birds, especially those belonging to the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, swans and geese. The objective of this work was to study the diversity of waterfowl present in the Caulín marine wetland, located in Chiloé, southern Chile. During the winter seasons of 2012, 2014 and 2015, the diversity of waterfowl was monitored using the transect technique. The Caulín marine wetland is an important site for the conservation of waterfowl, hosting nine species, of which four are classified as conservation problems and five are species of hunting permitted in Chile. The observed diversity and high abundance of some species, such as the Black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) and the Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris), highlight the ecological relevance of this wetland as refuge and feeding area for aquatic birds. Finally, it is recommended that the Canal de Chacao Hunting Prohibited Area continue to exist, along with the implementation and strengthening of specific conservation measures that address local threats