Fish Farm Birdlife: Distribution and Health Impacts

Resumo

Fish farming in the Brazilian Amazon, particularly in Rondônia—the country’s leading producer of native fish such as tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)—has expanded significantly, creating artificial environments that attract wild birds. This study aimed to inventory bird species associated with fish farms in Rondônia, evaluating their occurrence, seasonal variation, and role as potential predators and vectors of parasites. Over the Amazonian hydrological cycles of 2024, 229 individuals from nine species were recorded across 12 fish farms, using point counts, unrestricted observation, and vocalization records. Piscivorous species, especially from the Ardeidae and Phalacrocoracidae families, were predominant, representing 67% of observations. Key species included Ardea alba, Nannopterum brasilianus, and Jacana jacana. Seasonal variation influenced abundance, with higher occurrence during the rainy season. These birds contribute directly to economic losses through predation (estimated at 3–5% of annual production) and indirectly by spreading pathogens such as nematodes and protozoans. The results underscore the need for integrated management strategies—such as physical exclusion, environmental adjustments, and sanitary measures—to mitigate impacts while preserving regional avian biodiversity. This study provides a foundation for sustainable practices in Amazonian aquaculture.

Palavras-chave: Aquicultura, Avifauna piscívora, Gestão de conflitos, Parasitologia.