Distribution dynamics of waterbirds in Dongting Lake and surrounding lakes

What is it about?

Dongting Lake wetland, a Ramsar site and an important wintering ground for waterbirds, along with its surrounding lakes are spatially relatively independent, yet they form an inseparable integrated system for waterbirds. However, due to the variation of hydrological condition, the waterbird distribution might various between Dongting Lake and its surrounding lakes. It is of utmost importance to understand the changes in the waterbird diversity patterns in Dongting Lake and the surrounding wetlands. Our study aims to elucidate the waterbird functional groups distribution patterns and dynamics under different hydrology condition and explore the effect of habitat area change in Dongting Lake to waterbirds distribution pattern. Results show that hydrology change in Dongting Lake could affect the distribution pattern of waterbirds between Dongting lake and it surrounding lakes. During common hydrological periods, waterbirds mainly distributed in Dongting Lake, while during extreme dry periods, plenty of waterbirds shifted to surrounding lakes. Our results emphasize the importance of overall protection of wetlands in Dongting Lake region.

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