Ninhos azuis: o primeiro registro do uso de resíduos plásticos na nidificação de aves na Costa Amazônica, Brasil

Abstract

While extensive research has been conducted on the effects of plastic on marine ecosystems, a gap exists in studies related to terrestrial biota. Research indicates that certain terrestrial animal taxa, such as birds, may be more prone to incorporating plastic debris into their habitats. This study focused on the interaction between Psarocolius decumanus, a common bird species in the Amazon region, and plastic use during nesting. Non-invasive techniques were employed to minimize the impact on nests and bird life. Fallen and abandoned nests were collected, while active nests were photographed and recorded with GPS for comparison between different collection areas. In the laboratory, the nests were analyzed, weighed, and measured for a detailed analysis of plastic waste. The analysis revealed significant differences in plastic width and mass in nests between collection sites. The results also revealed a widespread presence of plastic in the nests: 24 out of 36 presented plastics in their composition, with the highest proportion found in the mangrove area. All mangrove nests contained plastic, with a proportion between 15.4 and 97.9% of dry weight. In the clearing near Farol beach, only six of the 17 nests contained plastic, with a much lower proportion relative to the dry weight of each nest (0 to 0.2%). On fishing village, 90% of the nests presented plastics, with a proportion ranging from 1.4 to 95.5%. Plastic fibers and cords were the most common materials. The predominant color was blue, suggesting a possible preference for this color by the bird or reflecting the prevalence of certain types of plastics in the region. The analyses revealed variations in the incidence of plastic in different areas, indicating an influence of the availability of debris in the surrounding environment. The presence of plastic in nests can have adverse consequences for birds and their young, including impacts on feeding, reproduction, and mortality. The study also monitored nest activity, revealing patterns in the number of active nests in each location. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of the presence of debris in nests as a potential bioindicator of environmental pollution levels. This pioneering study provides unprecedented data on pollution patterns and the environmental impacts associated with the presence of plastic debris in the nests of terrestrial birds in the Amazon rainforest.