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Waterbird guilds function as dynamic cross-ecosystem energy vectors in unique soda pan model systems
1Department of Geography and Natural Sciences, Ludovika University of Public Service, Ludovika sqr. 2, 1083, Budapest, Hungary. drborose@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|June 20, 2026
Summary
Migratory waterbirds significantly transfer energy between ecosystems. A new framework quantifies this avian energy transport, revealing functional guilds drive ecosystem energy balance, making them crucial energy sinks.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Ecosystem Science
- Avian Ecology
Background:
- Migratory animals are vital for inter-ecosystem energy transfer.
- Quantifying energy transport by functional guilds remains a challenge.
- Waterbirds play a significant role in nutrient and energy cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a guild-based framework for quantifying energy transport by waterbirds.
- To assess the role of waterbird functional guilds in ecosystem energy balance.
- To investigate the relationship between habitat extent and energy transport dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized long-term waterbird census data (1986-2017) from Central European soda pans.
- Integrated guild-specific foraging, habitat use, metabolic demand, and residence time to estimate avian energy fluxes.
- Classified waterbird guilds as net importers, importer-exporters, or net exporters using Boros's method.
Main Results:
- Annual energy fluxes varied significantly, with net energy import consistently exceeding net energy export.
- The average community-level energy balance was significantly positive, indicating waterbirds act as energy sinks.
- Energy import dynamics were driven by guild structure and behavior, not solely by habitat area.
Conclusions:
- Functional guild composition and behavior are primary drivers of cross-ecosystem energy transport by waterbirds.
- The developed framework offers a scalable tool for ecosystem energetics and food-web theory.
- Waterbird communities significantly influence ecosystem energy budgets, acting as net energy importers.
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