A new artificial wetland in the central coast of Peru: First characterization of its avifauna

Artificial wetlands are considered an alternative to wastewater treatment and a habitat opportunity for resident and migratory species in the face of the deterioration of natural wetlands. Based on this, we present the first results on the characterization of the Chilca Artificial Wetland (HAC) avifauna on the coast of Lima. We conducted fortnightly monitorings from December 2020 to March 2022 and registered 56 bird species: residents (32), migratory (23), and wandering (1). The families with the highest number of species were Scolopacidae (28.57%), Laridae (12.5%), Charadriidae (8.93%), and Ardeidae (8.93%), which represented more than half of the reported species. The expansion of the waterbodies and the aquatic and surrounding vegetation has increased the record of species over time. In this sense, we also reported the settlement of a group of Phoenicopterus chilensis and the reproduction of Himantopus mexicanus, Anas bahamensis, Charadrius alexandrines, and C. vociferus. The endemic species Geositta peruviana and the vagrant Larus argentatus from the northern hemisphere were also recorded. HAC can be considered, therefore, a new habitat offer for resident and migratory species in the wetland system of the central coast, as well as a site with high eco-tourism potential. However, feral dogs, waste, and the intrusion of motorized vehicles constitute a significant threat to the avifauna.