Effects of water level on waterbird abundance and diversity along the middle section of the Danube River

Abstract

We studied the effects of water level in the Danube River on waterbird species abundance and species assemblages along 83 km from the border of Hungary and Slovakia. 651,622 birds of 62 species were counted between 1992 and 2009. The dominant species was Mallard Anas platyrhynchos contributing 436,198 individuals (66.9% of all observations). Throughout the year total numbers of individuals and species richness were negatively correlated with local water level registered on the same day throughout the year. Shannon diversity indices were generally positively correlated with water levels. During floods, dabbling ducks, especially the dominant Anas platyrhynchos, dispersed to peripheral waters, where they are less likely to be counted, and diving ducks (Bucephala clangula, Aythya fuligula and Mergus spp.) left the area entirely, because fast flowing, highly turbid waters reduced local feeding efficiency. Abundance of most waterbird species decreased with elevated water levels. High water levels remove distinctive microhabitats (gravel banks, paved riverbanks and shoals), and create unfavourable conditions of high water velocity and turbidity. Retention of high water levels as a result of damming of the Danube creates long-term conditions similar to natural flooding effects. In our opinion, further manipulation of Danube water levels is likely to reduce waterbird richness and abundance and should be subject to appropriate environmental impact assessment.