Birds and wildlife in the Girardot section

The multidisciplinary field of nature within MEDIT has an impact on reinterpreting learning from ornithology—the study of birds—and fauna within the inclusive environment of the campus. The fieldwork of classifying the birds has been carried out by Héctor Cruz, a professor in the Environmental Engineering Program, who, equipped with binoculars, a camera, and an audio recorder, has searched for them in every corner of the campus.

“We have carried out a series of samplings using a methodology called point counts, and this has allowed us to clearly identify the species that visit us. This is how we have been able to catalog forty-eight birds, both endemic and migratory, that come from the southern and northern parts of the continent.”.

In this work, some additional fauna has also been identified among residents and migratory species, such as: squirrels, owls, barn owls, stone-curlews, opossums and iguanas.

Regarding the importance of these animals in the ecosystem, the teacher states that “some play a key role in dispersing the seeds they eat, thus contributing to the restoration of forests with new plants. Others are insectivorous, helping to control pests; still others are omnivorous, meaning they eat everything; and then there are scavengers that live by consuming decomposing animals, helping to prevent the spread of diseases.”.

Therefore, the branch office arranged for the creation of a digital guide to the local birdlife and a gallery of large-format photographs, measuring 60 by 30 centimeters, with their respective scientific and common names. These are displayed in the auditorium for the enjoyment of those attending various events. “With this project, we want to promote environmental education so that people are aware of the importance of conserving this type of fauna, which is fundamental to nature.”.

Regarding the future of this valuable material, Dr. Juan Carlos Méndez, director of the branch, mentions creating a traveling exhibition and gallery where attendees can learn about the role these species play in the ecosystem and their function in the tropical dry forest.

Important Information

Seed dispersal by animals

Exozoochory: adhesion of seeds to the fur or feathers of animals

Endozoochory: ingestion of the seed by animals.

Taken from the Inecol website.

See booklet