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Feng L, Shi J, Xiao Y, Liao L, Zhou Z, Xu J, Li Y, Tian Y, Niu Y. Impact of Extreme Drought on Waterbird Abundance: A Case Study Based on the Core Nature Reserve and Surrounding Wetlands. Ecol Evol 2025; 15:e71258. [PMID: 40270790 PMCID: PMC12017899 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2025] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Wetlands, highly biodiverse yet fragile ecosystems, play vital roles in sustaining waterbird survival and breeding. This study evaluated the impacts of extreme drought on waterbird populations in Dongting Lake and surrounding wetlands by analyzing land use, vegetation, and human disturbance. From 2022 to 2024, three synchronous surveys of wintering waterbirds were conducted in Dongting Lake and its surrounding wetlands to gather habitat information. The results indicated that waterbirds tended to disperse to surrounding wetlands following extreme drought in 2023. In 2023, the waterbird population in the managed lakes was higher than that in the four protected areas of Dongting Lake, whereas in 2022 and 2024, the protected areas maintained larger waterbird populations. The redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed that the temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI; characterizing the degree of drought) and the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI; characterizing the distribution of water bodies) were the most important factors influencing the distribution of all waterbird populations. Not all dietary groups of waterbirds showed a positive correlation with the MNDWI in terms of population size, but they exhibited a negative correlation with the TVDI. Meanwhile, habitat quality, food availability, and human disturbance were also important factors affecting the population size of all waterbird species. Waterbirds with different diets exhibited variations in the factors, such as food availability, foraging environment, and human disturbance, impacting their foraging behavior and habitat use. Our study suggested that, following a drought, waterbirds dispersed to surrounding wetlands outside the core nature reserve to cope with the negative impact of drought on habitat suitability. However, not all waterbirds with different diets showed dispersal, reflecting different response patterns to drought due to varying feeding habits and foraging methods. Our findings help better understand waterbirds' responses to extreme drought, which is crucial for wetland management and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Feng
- Hunan Academy of ForestryChangshaChina
- Hunan Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Positioning Observation and Research StationChangshaChina
- Field Observation and Research Station of Dongting Lake Natural Resource EcosystemMinistry of Natural ResourcesChangshaChina
- International Technological Cooperation Base for Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Dongting Lake BasinChangshaChina
| | - Jiawei Shi
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yaqin Xiao
- Hunan Academy of ForestryChangshaChina
- Hunan Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Positioning Observation and Research StationChangshaChina
- Field Observation and Research Station of Dongting Lake Natural Resource EcosystemMinistry of Natural ResourcesChangshaChina
- International Technological Cooperation Base for Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Dongting Lake BasinChangshaChina
| | | | - Zongze Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Forestry BureauChangshaChina
| | - Jialuan Xu
- Hunan Academy of ForestryChangshaChina
- Hunan Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Positioning Observation and Research StationChangshaChina
- Field Observation and Research Station of Dongting Lake Natural Resource EcosystemMinistry of Natural ResourcesChangshaChina
- International Technological Cooperation Base for Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Dongting Lake BasinChangshaChina
| | - Youzhi Li
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yuxin Tian
- Hunan Academy of ForestryChangshaChina
- Hunan Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Positioning Observation and Research StationChangshaChina
- Field Observation and Research Station of Dongting Lake Natural Resource EcosystemMinistry of Natural ResourcesChangshaChina
- International Technological Cooperation Base for Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Dongting Lake BasinChangshaChina
| | - Yandong Niu
- Hunan Academy of ForestryChangshaChina
- Hunan Dongting Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Positioning Observation and Research StationChangshaChina
- Field Observation and Research Station of Dongting Lake Natural Resource EcosystemMinistry of Natural ResourcesChangshaChina
- International Technological Cooperation Base for Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Dongting Lake BasinChangshaChina
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Wang C, Xia S, Yu X, Wen L. Responses to extreme drought in wintering waterbirds: a multi-species approach. Front Zool 2025; 22:3. [PMID: 39930488 PMCID: PMC11809017 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-025-00557-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change and anthropogenic activities are accelerating environmental changes, challenging wild animals' survival. Behavioral plasticity, such as adjusting habitat selection and foraging activity, is a key mechanism for responding to rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene era. However, this shift may expose animals to new challenges. Moreover, not all behavioral plasticity is adaptive, as evidenced by ecological traps. This study focuses on Poyang Lake, a Ramsar wetland and a critical wintering ground for waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Historically, the migratory patterns of waterbirds were synchronized with the plant life cycle. However, recent hydrological regime changes have diminished suitable habitats and food resources, thereby posing significant conservation challenges for waterbirds. METHODS Utilizing multiyear satellite tracking data, we examined the variations in wintering home range and behaviors of four herbivorous waterbird species between natural and artificial wetlands in Poyang Lake under different hydrological conditions. RESULTS Our results reveal significant differences in home range area and movement speed among species and across hydrological years. All species demonstrated a marked increase in their use of artificial wetlands under unfavorable conditions. Specifically, the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) shifted its distribution to artificial wetlands during drought years while favoring natural wetlands under normal conditions, indicating a stress-induced adaptation. In contrast, the Bean Goose (A. fabalis) and Swan Goose (A. cygnoid) displayed greater behavioral plasticity. Notably, the Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) increasingly used artificial wetlands, likely due to human protection, raising concerns about potential ecological traps. Additionally, waterbirds foraging in artificial wetlands generally exhibited higher movement speeds during drought conditions. This behavior suggests maladaptation and a more dispersed distribution. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscored the critical role of artificial wetlands in supporting migratory waterbirds during drought, though elevated movement speeds observed in these habitats suggest potential maladaptation. Species-specific responses raise concerns about ecological traps if these habitats fail to meet key ecological needs. To ensure long-term conservation, efforts should focus on preserving natural wetlands and enhancing the quality of artificial habitats. Future research should prioritize long-term monitoring to guide habitat management and address species-specific needs in the face of climate change and habitat degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Shaoxia Xia
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Xiubo Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Li Wen
- Science and Insights, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
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Zhu X, Cheng B, Li H, Zhou L, Yan F, Wang X, Zhang Q, Singh VP, Cui L, Jiang B. Deteriorating wintertime habitat conditions for waterfowls in Caizi Lake, China: Drivers and adaptive measures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176020. [PMID: 39236833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
China has made enormous strides to achieve high-quality development and biodiversity conservation, and the establishment of nature-protected areas is one of the essential initiatives. Caizi Lake involves a natural reserve and two national wetland parks, accommodating winter migratory waterfowl over the middle and lower Yangtze River basin in China. However, the water transfer from the Yangtze River to the Huai River (YR-HR water transfer) has modified the winter hydrological conditions of Caizi Lake, negatively affecting wintertime waterfowl habitats. Hence, conserving wintertime waterfowl habitats necessitates knowledge of the dynamical mechanisms behind the impacts of YR-HR water transfer on wintertime waterfowl habitats and adaptive measures. Here we developed a machine learning model, the normalized difference vegetation index, and on-spot observatory datasets such as the spatial distribution of waterfowl species and underwater topography of Caizi Lake. We found that the rising winter water level of Caizi Lake encroaches on winter waterfowl habitat with extremely high suitability. Meanwhile, rising water levels reduced waterfowl food sources. Thus, rising water levels due to YR-HR water transfer deteriorated waterfowl living conditions over Caizi Lake. Therefore, we proposed adaptive measures to alleviate these negative effects, such as water level regulation, artificial feeding of waterfowls, restoration and reconstruction of contiguous mudflats, grass flats. This study highlights human interferences with waterfowl habitats, necessitating biodiversity conservation at regional scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiudi Zhu
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongqing Li
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China
| | - Lizhi Zhou
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Fengling Yan
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Wang
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China.
| | - Vijay P Singh
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; National Water and Energy Center, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lijuan Cui
- Institute of Wetland Research/Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecological Function and Restoration, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China; Key Laboratory of Ecological Regulation of Non-Point Source Pollution in Lake and Reservoir Water Sources, Changjiang Water Resources Commission, Wuhan, China.
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Htay T, Htoo KK, Røskaft E, Ringsby TH, Ranke PS. Environmental Factors Affecting Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Crop-Exploiting Species: Implications for Coexistence Between Agricultural Production and Avifauna Conservation in Wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 74:664-683. [PMID: 39097846 PMCID: PMC11393005 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-02028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Bird communities in agroecosystems bring both ecosystem services (e.g., pollination) and disservices (e.g., crop exploitation) to farmers. However, in the proximity of wetland reserves, farmers disproportionately experience harvest yield loss due to large aggregation of bird species that can utilize various agricultural resources. This often results in negative human-wildlife interactions which lower conservation support among farmers. Knowledge about the distribution of avian species that negatively influence yields, and its environmental drivers is thus fundamental to reconcile crop production and bird conservation. This study aims to examine the spatio-temporal patterns in richness and abundance of bird species known to cause agricultural yield loss as well as species-specific distribution patterns for the six bird species that are most challenging for local farmers. In combination with interview surveys of local farmers (n = 367) and seasonal bird surveys (n = 720), we investigated distribution of crop-exploiting avian species in the Indawgyi wetland ecosystem in Myanmar. Our results showed high richness and abundance of crop-exploiting species in the water habitat across all seasons, with most challenging species exhibiting higher presence closer to these water sources. The crop phenology had positive effect on species richness and abundance during the growing season. The agricultural use of crop-exploiting species was season- and species-specific, where the presence probability in the agricultural habitat was higher in habitat generalists than wetland specialists. Therefore, we suggest improved management of natural wetland habitats (e.g., habitat restoration), sustainable coexistence mechanisms in farms close to water (e.g., bird-friendly rice farming and Ecolabel certification) to reduce avian impacts on the farming communities and, at the same time, to promote bird conservation in wetlands of international importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thazin Htay
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
- Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
| | - Kyaw Kyaw Htoo
- Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eivin Røskaft
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Peter Sjolte Ranke
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- BirdLife Norway, Trondheim, Norway
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Li X, Ou X, Sun X, Li H, Li Y, Zheng X. Urban biodiversity conservation: A framework for ecological network construction and priority areas identification considering habit differences within species. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 365:121512. [PMID: 38897083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The construction of ecological networks within the context of urbanization is an effective approach to cope with the challenges of urban biodiversity decline, representing a crucial goal in urban planning and development. However, existing studies often overlook the richness and uniqueness within species communities by homogenizing traits of species in the same class. This study proposes a framework for constructing and optimizing ecological networks focused on differential conservation within the same class. By classifying birds into three groups (specialists of water, forest or urban areas) based on their ecological requirements and urbanization tolerance, we constructed an ecological network tailored to their distinct migratory dispersal patterns. We then identified strategic areas including pinch points, barriers, and breakpoints specific to each bird group. Our findings reveal notable variations in suitable habitat distribution among different bird groups in urban environments. Corridor layouts varied according to habitat preferences and migratory dispersal patterns. Despite these differences, urban built-up areas persist as central hubs for the distribution of suitable habitats for 75% of bird species, with peripheral mountain-plain transition areas constituting 63% of crucial dispersal corridors. This emphasizes the critical role of urban built-up areas in maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Prioritizing connectivity between central urban areas and distant natural spaces is imperative. Our approach innovatively classifies and constructs networks to identify strategic areas with diverse species-specific attributes, providing valuable spatial information for land planning and guiding solutions to enhance target species. While the primary focus is on bird conservation in Beijing, our framework is broadly applicable to global biodiversity management and green planning under urbanization challenges. Overall, this study offers innovative insights for urban planning development and serves as decision support for prioritizing urban actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Li
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoyang Ou
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xingyue Sun
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haoran Li
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yixiao Li
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Qiu J, Zhang Y, Ma J. Wetland habitats supporting waterbird diversity: Conservation perspective on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 357:120663. [PMID: 38552509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Wetlands, as core habitats for supporting waterbird diversity, provide a variety of ecosystem services through diverse ecosystem functioning. Wetland degradation and wetland-habitat loss undermine the relationship between biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF), affecting the diversity of habitats and waterbirds. The conservation of waterbird diversity is closely linked to the proper functioning of wetland ecosystems (nutrient cycling, energy storage, and productivity). Waterbirds have complex habitat preferences and sensitivities, which affect biotic interactions. By highlighting the importance of temporal and spatial scales guided by BEF, a habitat-waterbird conservation framework is presented (BEF relationships are described at three levels: habitat, primary producers, and waterbird diversity). We present a novel perspective on habitat conservation for waterbirds by incorporating research on the effects of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning to address the crucial challenges in global waterbird diversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and habitat conservation. Last, it is imperative to prioritize strategies of habitat protection with the incorporation of BEF for future waterbird conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qiu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China; Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Jianwu Ma
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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