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Multiple habitat use by declining migratory birds necessitates joined-up conservation
Micha V Jackson1, Luis R Carrasco2, Chi-Yeung Choi1,3
1School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia.
Ecology and Evolution
|March 21, 2019
Summary
Migratory shorebirds rely on artificial supratidal habitats for roosting when intertidal foraging areas flood. Effective conservation requires managing these artificial wetlands alongside natural intertidal habitats.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Ornithology
Background:
- Many species require multiple habitats, necessitating understanding of their temporal and spatial use for effective conservation.
- Migratory shorebirds utilize both intertidal and supratidal wetlands, which are vulnerable to coastal landscape changes.
- The use of artificial supratidal habitats by shorebirds at developed stopover sites is poorly understood, potentially hindering effective habitat management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify shorebird use of artificial supratidal habitats during migration in southern Jiangsu, a key East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) stopover site.
- To assess the relationship between intertidal and supratidal habitat utilization by shorebirds.
- To identify key biophysical features influencing shorebird occupancy in supratidal habitats and determine if these habitats are used for roosting or foraging.
Main Methods:
- Shorebird surveys were conducted during the southward migration in southern Jiangsu.
- Occupancy and abundance of shorebirds in artificial supratidal habitats were measured.
- The influence of habitat features (pond size, water cover, vegetation, bunds, structures) on shorebird presence was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Shorebirds used artificial supratidal habitats for roosting at high tide for approximately 11-25 days per month at four of five sites due to inundation of intertidal flats.
- At least 37 shorebird species utilized artificial wetlands, with higher abundance on larger ponds featuring less water and vegetation, unvegetated bunds, and fewer nearby structures.
- Artificial supratidal habitats were primarily used for roosting and infrequently for foraging, and were avoided when intertidal flats were accessible, highlighting their complementary role.
Conclusions:
- Artificial supratidal habitats are critical roosting sites for numerous shorebird species, especially during high tides when intertidal foraging areas are unavailable.
- Integrated management of artificial supratidal habitats and natural intertidal zones is essential for conserving over 35,000 migrating shorebirds.
- Management strategies for artificial supratidal ponds should incorporate shorebird habitat requirements, benefiting sites across the EAAF.
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