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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2023, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (6): 118-129.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20220437

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Variation of Waterbird Diversity and Its Affecting Factors in Xingkai Lake, Heilongjiang Province

Xuelei Wei1,2(),Guogang Zhang1,2,*,Ru Jia1,2,Yunrui Ji1,Hongying Xu1,2,Zeyu Yang1,2,Huajin Liu3,Yulin Liu3,Peiyu Yang3   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, CAF Beijing 100091
    2. National Bird Banding Center of China Beijing 100091
    3. Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve of Heilongjiang Province Mishan 158300
  • Received:2022-06-27 Online:2023-06-25 Published:2023-08-08
  • Contact: Guogang Zhang E-mail:serena_caf@163.com

Abstract:

Objective: Xingkai Lake located in Heilongjiang Province is an important international migration corridor for waterbirds in eastern China. Comparative analysis on the changes in waterbird community structure in different years can aid in providing basic data for waterbird conservation in Xingkai Lake. Method: The waterbird data collected from 43 monitoring stations in 2014—2015 and 2021 were comparatively analyzed. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou evenness index, and TBI index were used to compare the differences in richness and community structure of waterbirds in different areas and habitats between the two periods. In combination with temperature and water level data, the relationship between these differences and climate was examined. Result: The results showed that a total of 665 504 waterbirds were found in Xingkai Lake, belonging to 71 species, 12 families, and 7 orders, totaling 665 504 individuals. While there was no significant difference in the number of species between 2014—2015 and 2021, the number of total individuals almost doubled, mainly due to increase of geese, ducks and gulls, and however the number of cranes, plovers, and rails showed a decreasing trend. Waterbird species and individual numbers were higher during the migration periods, in March-April and September-November, and lower during the breeding period. The four areas of Xingkai Lake had similar community structures, but with some differences: Longwang Temple had the highest number of species and individuals, showing an increasing trend. Hugang and Dongbeipaozi had relatively lower evenness, but increasing number of species. Qingshan Reservoir had the lowest number of waterbirds but the highest diversity and evenness, albeit with a decreasing trend of species. Marshes had the highest number of species, whereas mixed habitats had the highest diversity and number of waterbirds. Farmlands had the lowest evenness, and the number of species and individuals increased in the above three habitats. In contrast, the species and number of waterbirds in shrubs, grasslands, and wetlands all decreased, with the number of individuals in wetlands decreasing the most. Conclusion: Overall, the increase in the numbers of waterbirds in Xingkai Lake is a positive sign, and related to the better management of the reserve in recent years, as well as the increase in temperature and water level. But Xingkai Lake is still under the pressure of increasing farmland and decreasing marsh. It is suggested to adopt standardized methods for long-term waterbird monitoring, and strengthen the management and protection of key areas in response to the distribution of waterbirds in different periods.

Key words: waterbird, diversity, climate change, migration, Xingkai Lake

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