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COURSE INFO PROVIDER: SWSPCP Webinar
COURSE TITLE: Influence of the Edge Slope of a Wetland on Waterbirds in the Bogota Savannah

INSTRUCTORS Darwin Ortega

COURSE DESCRIPTION Abstract:
Industrial and urban growth, and agricultural and livestock expansion have generated an accelerated loss of wetlands globally. In Colombia, one of the most affected areas is the Bogota savannah. Therefore, ecological restoration arises in order to reverse the damage caused by human activities, however, in relation to wetlands there is little information that is available regarding the modifications of the slope at the edges that allows establishing strategies that guide these types of processes. Through the evaluation of the influence of the edge of a wetland on waterbirds, the aim is to contribute with determining information for a more effective restoration of the ecosystem in terms of offering suitable habitat for the species. Waterbirds were considered as bioindicators of the state of the edge because they allow a rapid and effective evaluation of this type of intervention due to the diversity of species present and their specificity in terms of habitat requirements. The comparison of the presence and abundance of waterbird species was made before and after the modification of the slope of the edge of the wetland, counting on data from bird observation censuses of 12 months prior and 24 months after the intervention. It was found that the edge with gentle slopes presents greater richness and abundance of waterbirds in relation to the edge before the modification, in turn, the diversity measured with the Simpson index presented differences before and after the change in slope.

Speaker Bio:
Darwin Ortega is an environmental engineer with more than 17 years of experience in restoration, education, and stakeholder engagement of high Andean wetlands in Colombia. He holds a Master of Science in Conservation and Biodiversity Use of the University Pontificia Javeriana. He loves nature and is also a photographer. Currently, he manages the Natural Preserve Ecoparque Sabana located in the department of Cundinamarca-Colombia, leading the restoration of wetlands, the conformation of a native forest and promoting engagement of different stakeholders in the preserve based on processes to conserve ecosystems, biodiversity and water.

Credit Points: 0.06

SYLLABUS/TOPICAL OUTLINE - Introduction (5 minutes) - Methodology (10 minutes) - Case Study (30 minutes) - Questions and Answers (15 minutes)

COURSE CONTACT

Jason Tucker
9999 Carver Road, Suite 210, Blue Ash, OH 45242
jason.tucker@hdrinc.com
P: 5133492478
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