SEABIRD RICHNESS AND COLLISION RISK ANALYSIS IN THE POTIGUAR BASIN
Birds, Collision, Wind, Offshore, Threats
The northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte and the eastern coast of Ceará, with intense economic activity (salt extraction, oil, gas, and renewable energy), are home to an important migratory route for birds. The expansion of these activities directly impacts bird populations that use the region for various vital functions, such as feeding and breeding. The objective of this study is to identify the seabird richness that utilizes the continental shelf and coastal zone of the Potiguar sedimentary basin. Data on species richness in the study area were obtained from four sources: the Onboard Monitoring Program (PME), the Beach Monitoring Program (PMP), literature review, and Citizen Science platforms (Wikiaves and eBird). This allowed for elucidation of aspects regarding the richness and habitat use of seabirds in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte and eastern Ceará. From this survey, collision risk with wind turbine towers was calculated for species that are listed as threatened according to ICMBio's Red Book of Threatened Fauna. The collision risk analysis showed that populations vulnerable to extinction present worrying average risks, which, combined with known anthropogenic factors in the region, may threaten the future of these species.