Abstract
Mortality patterns of vertebrates in irrigation canals have been poorly studied despite their potential impact on wildlife. Concrete irrigation canals in a cropland area in west-central Spain were monitored over 13 months to assess their impact on small fauna. A total of 134 vertebrates were found dead. Most were amphibians (86.46%) or mammals (20.90%), though fishes, reptiles and a bird were also recorded. Mortality peaked in autumm months. Corrective measurements are needed to reduce this cause of non-natural mortality. © 2009 Museu de Ciències Naturals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 123-126 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Animal Biodiversity and Conservation |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2009 |
Keywords
- irrigation canals
- mortality
- vertebrates
- water tanks