Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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Klaassen M. & Ens B.J. (1990) Is salt stress a problem for waders wintering on the Banc D'arguin Mauritania? ARDEA 78 (1-2): 67-74
During the Banc d'Arguin Project 1985-1986, Mauritania, the possible effect of salt load upon some wintering waders was investigated. Knots and Sanderlings were used in cage experiments in which water and food consumption were measured under different salt regimes. Food consumption decreased and water consumption increased after changing the water provided from fresh to salt. Experiments in which salt water was provided for the Knots over a longer time scale revealed that Knots have the capability of adapting to salt water. It is calculated that at a maximum level of intake of isotonic prey items, the fresh water adapted Knot may have difficulties with the salt load. The situation may be more critical for species which are physiologically less well equipped to handle salt stress than the Knot. Swallowing of adherent water with the prey, as well as evaporative cooling in heat stressed birds, might increase salt stress.


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