Changes in the Population of Wintering Waterbirds in Gomishan Wetland at Caspian Sea Coast, Iran

Abstract

Gomishan wetland located at east of Caspian Sea coast, is a popular tourist destination for both local and outside visitors, disginated as a Ramsar Site and is a Protected Area. Area of the wetland is 20000 hectares. Trend of population, density, and species diversity of waterbirds was analyzed in Gomishan wetland during five years. A total of 74 species belonged to 12 families of waterbirds were recorded during five years in mid-winter waterbirds census in January. The highest number of birds was found during 2007 (115363 individuals) and lowest number was counted 58583 individuals in 2011. Reduction was 50.78 percent. The density of waterbirds was 5.76 birds h -1 in 2007 and reduced to 2. 92 birds h -1 in 2011. Reduction was 50.69 %. There were 59 species of waterbirds in 2007 and 40 species in 2011, reduction is 32.21 percent. The highest density was recorded for Phoencopteridae 27.74% and the lowest was Treskiornitidae (0.016%) in five years. Two globally threatened species were White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and Dalmatian Pelican Pelicanus crispus (maximum count was 43 and 738 in 2007 respectively). Gomishan wetland may be considered an important site for bird watchers and should be conserved.