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Percorrer por autor "Casero, Maria"

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  • Plastic ingestion in aquatic birds in Portugal
    Publication . Basto, Marta; Nicastro, Katy; Tavares, Ana I; McQuaid, Christopher D.; Casero, Maria; Azevedo, Fabia; Zardi, Gerardo, I
    In modem society, plastic items have become indispensable. The rapid growth of plastic production has led to an increase in the concentration of plastic waste in the environment and, consequently, wildlife has been severely affected. As wide-ranging foragers and predators, aquatic birds are ideal sentinels for monitoring changes in their environment. Plastic found in stomach contents of stranded aquatic birds collected throughout Portugal was examined. Out of the 288 birds processed, 12.9% ingested plastics. Six of the 16 species assessed showed evidence of plastic ingestion. The Lesser Black-backed Gull (18.7%) had the highest incidence while, among those that did ingest plastics, the Northern Gannet (4.8%) had the lowest. User plastics were the most common type of plastic ingested, while microplastics and off/white-clear were the most common size and colour respectively of plastics found. This study sets a first multispecies baseline for incidence of plastic ingestion by aquatic birds in Portugal.
    2019-01Artigo científico Acesso restrito Ver mais
  • Unveiling patterns in cetacean strandings along southern atlantic iberia: temporal and spatial trends, seasonality, and causes of death
    Publication . Hofman, Jan; Crawford, Sarah; Fialho, Ana; Casero, Maria; Pontes, João; Conceição Alves da Silva, Ana Maria; Nicolau, Lídia; Marçalo, Ana
    We compiled 46 years of cetacean strandings in the Algarve, Portugal, describing temporal–spatial patterns, size–sex structure,and causes of death (COD). We analyzed national records and years with a dedicated regional stranding network (SN) to assessannual/seasonal trends, spatial hotspots, and compare biometrics and COD. In total, 1231 strandings were recorded; 73.2% wereidentified to 19 species. Five species comprised almost 68% of events: common dolphins 39.0%, striped dolphins 8.9%, minkewhales 8.0%, bottlenose dolphins 8.0%, and harbor porpoises 4.3%. GAMs confirmed that recorded strandings rose over timeand were higher during SN years (mean 63 yr.−1). Stranding hotspots occurred near Cape Santa Maria (Faro–Olhão), Lagos–Portimão, and Sagres; minke whales and harbor porpoises concentrated east of Cape Santa Maria. Seasonality was significantonly for minke whales (spring peak). Size–sex patterns were largely similar, with exceptions for larger stranded striped dolphinfemales and minke strandings dominated by juveniles. COD assignment improved with monitoring and was assessed for 75.6%of the observed carcasses. Bycatch was the leading COD for common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales. Thisstudy highlights the importance of a regional stranding network and a need for more ecological studies of cetaceans in the region.
    2026-02-16Artigo científico Acesso aberto Ver mais