Fernando Ramírez

The occurrences of three invasive Rubus species, namely Rubus ellipticus Smith, Rubus rosifolius Smith and Rubus niveus Thunb. are analysed in three locations in Colombia. R. ellipticus and R. niveus are invasive species that form dense patches and threaten native vegetation. Due to their highly invasive nature, these two species should be given high priority in the development of an eradication programme. R. rosifolius was not seen to form thickets or to cause major environmental issues.

Tutema (Porphyriops melanops bogotensis Chapman, 1914) and Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) have been observed inhabiting artificial ponds near El Salitre wetland in the Andes near Paipa (5°46’48.47” N, 73°07’1.49” W), Boyacá State, Colombia. The Tutema is an endemic and endangered bird species that belongs to the Rallidae family. The Blue-winged Teal is a migrant duck species. The current investigation provides evidence that Tutema continues to use the artificial ponds near the El Salitre wetland. This species is not scared of human presence. Tutema continues to share its habitat with domestic ducks in one of the artificial ponds, as previously reported. The Blue-winged Teal has been observed swimming in the open water of an artificial pond and drinking its water. They were scared by human presence and flew away. The two species studied have taken advantage of artificial waterways, which have proven to be key for biodiversity conservation in this part of Colombia.

The Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) is a migratory species that has been observed in El Salitre wetland near Paipa (5° 46’48.47”N, 73°07’1.49”W), Boyacá State, Colombia. The number of individuals observed swimming in the open water and near the bank was counted from 6:00-8:00 am, 10:00-12:00 pm, and 4:00-6:00 pm. The amount of solar irradiance was recorded as a daily mean from 25% (mean 148.5 watts/m2) to 100% (mean 594 watts/m2) from a nearby weather station. The greatest number of ducks (mean = 62.57) was observed from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Overall, the number of ducks was greater during low solar irradiance conditions (25%). In contrast, a lower number of ducks were observed at higher irradiance levels (75 and 100%). El Salitre wetland is an important site for the conservation of the Blue-winged Teal as well as other aquatic bird species.