@phdthesis{fdi:010092422,
  title = {Écologie de la reproduction et conservation des {L}arid{\'e}s (mouettes et sternes) de {C}uba dans un contexte anthropique},
  author = {{G}arcia {Q}uintas, {A}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG} ; {FRE}},
  abstract = {{T}he breeding ecology of tropical seabirds remains poorly known even though understanding the ins and out of this critical life stage is essential for assessing the state of tropical marine ecosystems, or for evaluating marine spatial plans and the (re)design of marine protected areas. {W}ithin the {C}aribbean basin, {C}uba stands out for hosting a large number of breeding seabirds, but also for lacking critically of ecological information on them. {W}hile collecting observations at sea may still be challenging, a combined use of classical, modern and state-of-the-art field and analytical methods allows extracting more out of the existing data. {T}his thesis addressed ecological and conservation aspects of the {L}aridae family (gulls and terns) in {C}uba, this family of seabird species being the best represented in this tropical archipelago. {T}he selection and suitability of breeding macro- and micro-habitats were evaluated using machine and deep learning methods on multispectral {L}andsat satellite images. {O}ceanographic variables at broad spatial scales were shown to be critical for breeding site selection, as well as vegetation and substrate for nesting site selection. {S}patio-temporal trophic niche plasticity and overlap were assessed in {L}aridae breeding communities using the isotopic niche (?13{C} vs. ?15{N}) as a proxy. {I}nterspecific trophic segregation was detected based on the breadth and overlap of the isotope niches. {T}his allowed a better understanding of the successful sympatric nesting of {L}aridae in {C}uba, considering that adults forage in common areas within poorly productive tropical marine waters. {T}he breeding phenology of several {L}aridae species and the effects of laying asynchrony on egg morphometry were characterised. {P}henological patterns (from field observations and camera trap monitoring) were remarkably synchronous, while most egg morphometric variables (obtained by digital photo processing) did not reflect differences between early and late clutches. {L}astly, optimisation models - used as a supporting decision tool - were implemented to evaluate the priority areas for the conservation of {L}aridae breeding habitats. {T}he overlap of these priority areas with {C}uba's current system of marine protected areas was found to be remarkably low. {I}n general, the potential of {L}aridae as sentinels of {C}uba's coastal ecosystems is highlighted. {R}esearch priorities are also identified, such as spatial foraging patterns and prey consumption by these seabirds, as well as the assessment of marine pollution risks from metals and other persistent organic pollutants.},
  keywords = {{CUBA} ; {ATLANTIQUE} ; {CARAIBES} {MER}},
  address = {{M}ontpellier},
  publisher = {{U}niversit{\'e} de {M}ontpellier},
  pages = {162  multigr. + annexes},
  year = {2023},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010092422},
}