Temporal patterns of neotropical psittacids at the mascoitania clay lick in the manu biosphere reserve, Peru

Abstract

Temporal patterns, defined as fluctuations in species abundance over time, remain poorly studied due to the scarcity of long-term monitoring. Understanding how abundance varies at predictable foraging sites such as clay licks provides key insights into species interactions and conservation strategies. This study analyzed temporal patterns of arrival and feeding abundance of Neotropical psittacids at the Mascoitania clay lick in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peruvian Amazon, using monthly averages of daily abundances collected between 2011 and 2023. Through time-series decomposition, autocorrelation tests, and Spearman’s rank correlations, we identified seasonal patterns, long-term trends, and species-specific differences. We recorded twelve Neotropical psittacid species. Pionus menstruus and Brotogeris cyanoptera exhibited consistent seasonal peaks aligned with or close to their reported breeding periods, whereas Amazona farinosa, Ara ararauna, and Ara chloropterus peaked outside their breeding season. Long-term trajectories also diverged: Ara severus and Pionus menstruus declined, while others exhibited rebounds or fluctuations, suggesting responses to habitat change, resource availability, and interspecific interactions. Grouping analyses revealed clusters corresponding to dry and wet seasons, consistent with temporal niche partitioning as a mechanism facilitating coexistence. Overall, our findings highlight contrasting seasonal patterns, long-term declines in Ara severus and Pionus menstruus, and shifts in interspecific associations. This study underscores the importance of long-term monitoring of Neotropical psittacids at predictable aggregation sites, such as clay licks, to inform conservation strategies.