Water level affects availability of optimal feeding habitats for threatened migratory waterbirds.

ABSTRACT: Extensive ephemeral wetlands at Poyang Lake, created by dramatic seasonal changes in water level, constitute the main wintering site for migratory Anatidae in China. Reductions in wetland area during the last 15 years have led to proposals to build a Poyang Dam to retain high winter water levels within the lake. Changing the natural hydrological system will affect waterbirds dependent on water level changes for food availability and accessibility. We tracked two goose species with different feeding behaviors (greater white-fronted geese Anser albifrons [grazing species] and swan geese Anser cygnoides [tuber-feeding species]) during two winters with contrasting water levels (continuous recession in 2015; sustained high water in 2016, similar to those predicted post-Poyang Dam)

SUBMITTER: Aharon-Rotman Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5723607 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature