Wetland attributes significantly affect patterns of bird species distribution in the Sardinian wetlands (Italy): An uncertain future for waterbird conservation

Abstract

Abstract The Sardinian wetlands belong to the Sardinia‐Corsica corridor of the central eastern Mediterranean bird flyway. They supply the food and shelter for many waterbird species and act as stopover sites during migratory journeys. Despite policies and laws of the European Union, the Sardinian wetlands are severely threatened by anthropic activities and ongoing climate change, making the condition of the associated avifauna critical. We (a) inventoried the avian metacommunity of the largest coastal wetlands in Sardinia during the summer period, (b) investigated the metacommunity structure, (c) quantified the effects of wetland attributes on avian diversity at species and guild level and (d) predicted future changes in species composition of this metacommunity. We recorded 60 bird species (of which 21 belonged to Annex I of the Birds Directive). The metacommunity structure resulted was significantly nested and non‐modular. Salinity negatively affected the presence of 48 species out of 60, followed by tourism pressure (44 species), wetland isolation (42 species) and water discharges (36 species). The mean water level resulting from artificial regulation for anthropic activities was too high for 63% of the species, which disadvantaged primarily small waders, species feeding on invertebrates and trans‐Saharan migrants. In addition, water‐level fluctuations (that would favour avian diversity) were prevented by artificial regulation during the summer period in many wetlands, producing further negative effects on the avifauna. We found 45% of the recorded bird species at risk of disappearance from this avian metacommunity. Synthesis and applications. Our study indicates that, as things stand, the avian metacommunity of the Sardinian wetlands is destined to experience reductions in the short term and mid‐term. This decline will be accelerated by increased saltwater intrusions due to sea‐level rise. Nevertheless, the nested and non‐modular structure of this avian metacommunity would allow for pro‐active conservation measures (e.g. restriction for tourism activities, construction of artificial dune cordons to minimize saltwater intrusions, water‐level regulation that keeps into account also the ecological requirements of waterbird species) to counteract the effects of current and future threats.