Abstract
As natural wetlands are degrading worldwide, artificial wetlands can operate as a substitute to provide waterbirds with refuge, but they cannot replace natural wetlands. Reservoirs, one of the most common artificial wetlands in China, can be of great importance to waterbirds. Miyun reservoir in Beijing, China, has undergone a process similar to a natural lake being constructed in a reservoir. In this study, we surveyed waterbird community composition and evaluated the corresponding land cover and land use change with satellite and digital elevation model images of both before and after the water level change. The results showed that in all modelled scenarios, when the water level rises, agricultural lands suffer the greatest loss, with wetlands and forests following. The water level rise also caused a decrease in shallow water areas and a decline in the number and diversity of waterbird communities, as the components shifted from a shallow-water preferring group (waders, geese and dabbling ducks) to a deep-water preferring group (most diving ducks, gulls and terns). Miyun reservoir ceased to be an important waterbird habitat in China and is no longer an important stopover site for white-naped cranes. A similar process is likely to occur when a natural lake is constructed in a reservoir. Therefore, we suggest that policymakers consider the needs of waterbirds when constructing or managing reservoirs.
Highlights
Natural wetlands have been declining rapidly worldwide since the 20th century [1]
We aim to investigate how water level changes affect waterbird habitats and communities, in order to provide a better insight into how the construction of a new reservoir affects the waterbird community and which waterbird needs should be taken into consideration in future management
The Miyun Reservoir has been in functional use for 58 years, making its ecology features similar to that of a natural lake
Summary
Natural wetlands have been declining rapidly worldwide since the 20th century [1]. InChina, extensive loss of natural wetlands has taken place nation-wide since the late 1950s, among which riverine and lacustrine wetlands suffered the greatest loss [2]. Natural wetlands have been declining rapidly worldwide since the 20th century [1]. Artificial wetlands, mostly pools and reservoirs, have been increasing significantly [2]. Studies have shown that artificial wetlands can provide waterbirds with substitutes for natural wetlands and shelter in years with food shortage [3,4,5]. Reservoirs and ponds comprise a large proportion of the artificial wetlands in China [2], and to some degree, can complement the loss of natural wetlands for some migratory waterbirds along the East-Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) by providing large and stable water bodies [3,10]. Waders, such as cranes, egret, herons and shorebirds that utilize the littoral zone of a lake
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