Citizen Science Discoveries: Shorebirds at Ribanceira Beach

We are excited to highlight a significant publication based on research conducted by ISS citizen scientists on Ribanceira Beach, located in the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area (APABF) in the city of Imbituba, Brazil. The beach is well-known for the presence of majestic right whales, one of the world’s most endangered whale species.

ISS Brasil volunteers Diego dos Anjos Souza and Guilherme Renzo Rocha Brito uncovered the beach’s additional importance to shorebirds, presenting “Aves limícolas na Praia da Ribanceira, Imbituba – SC” at ICMBio’s XIII Research Seminar and XIV Scientific Initiation Meeting in 2022.

With monthly visits and the mapping of a 2.1-mile stretch, the authors documented the importance of the site for ten species of shorebirds, including the Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), a species considered “critically endangered” and on the National List of Endangered Species defined by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment.

There is always more to explore! Learn about Manomet’s International Shorebird Survey here.