The effects of benthos and wetland area on shorebird abundance and species richness in coastal mangrove wetlands of Leizhou Peninsula, China

Abstract

Twenty-two species shorebirds were recorded on mangrove wetlands surrounding Leizhou Peninsula, Guangdong Province, China. One recorded species, Spoon-billed Sandpiper ( Eurynorhynchus pygmeus), is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List (World Conservation Union) and this was the first record of the species at Leizhou in this study. Most recorded species are listed in the Sino-Japan or Sino-Australia Agreement on Conservation of Migratory Birds. Dunlin ( Calidris alpina), Kentish Plover ( Charadrius alexandrinus), and Greater Sand Plover ( Charadrius leschenaultii) were dominant, accounting for 34%, 32%, and 12% of total individuals, respectively. Five survey sites were designated by habitat type. There was no significant difference in species, but total abundance differed significantly among survey sites. More species were recorded in winter and spring than in summer. One hundred and sixty-five species of benthos were recorded. Total mean biomass and density of benthos was 223.3 ± 74.8 g/m 2 (±S.E.), density 210.97 ± 67.6 ind./m 2, respectively. Mollusks accounted for 83.4% of total biomass, and 75.6% of total density. Both biomass and density of benthos varied significantly among survey sites. There was no significant difference between spring and autumn on biomass or density of benthos. There was a significant and negative correlation between number of shorebirds and densities of polychaetes on mudflats. Shorebird species richness ( F 1,3 = 13.14, p = 0.036) and abundance ( F 1,3 = 12.59, p = 0.037) were significantly and positively correlated with mudflat area. Stopping losses of mangrove habitat and tidal flats is the top priority measure for shorebird conservation. Reducing the impacts of human disturbance on both habitats and birds is an urgent necessity for mangrove wetland conservation management.