Ecological factors and their incidence on the magnificent fragates [(Fregata magnificens; Mathews, 1914)] of la Plata Island

Investigation article

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out in the frigates trail on Isla de la Plata belonging to the Machalilla National Park (PNM), the magnificent frigates were studied (Fregata magnificens) and the incidence of abiotic ecological factors within the life cycle of this specie. The main objective of this study is to diagnose the incidence of ecological factors in the magnificent frigates (Fregata magnificens) on the Isla de la Plata. The methodology used within the study was based on the application of techniques such as observation and surveys, the  measurements of abiotic ecological factors such as: environmental temperature, environmental relative humidity and soil pH; in addition, a population census of the magnificent frigates was also carried out in order to determine an estimated value of the population.  The results obtained in the surveys carried out to park rangers and guides mention that positively influencing the reproduction of this species, the temperature measurements determined that in the month of december the highest average value was 28,9 °C, the highest average in terms of the relative environmental humidity, was in the month of october with 86.10% exceeding data provided by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAHMI). The soil pH has a range of 6.9 and 7.1 that are in the neutral pH according to the Environmental Soil Quality Standard, table 4 of TULSMA. A total of 819 purchases were counted among males, females, juveniles, and chickens; most of the population within the trail the path belongs to the juvenile category.

Keywords: Ecological factors, ecosystems, magnificent frigates, Plata Island.