Waterbirds Research Articles

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Threatened Bird Species in Perak Malaysia Using Citizen Science Data

Birds are recognized as important indicators of the current state of the environment, mainly as they are sensitive to habitat change. There is little research that spatially analyses the threatened bird hotspots and their relationship with land use and land cover changes, particularly in Malaysia. This study aims to spatially analyze the pattern of threatened birds in Perak, Malaysia using seven years of temporal data from the Citizen Science database. Spatial analysis tools, such as the Average Nearest neighbour analysis and high/low clustering (Getis-Ord General G), were used to analyze the distribution and spatial concentration of the data, followed by the Pearson correlation to determine the relationship between bird occurrence with land-use types. The results showed that the hotspot location of threatened birds for seven years was in Taiping City, while the coldspot was in the mangrove area of Kuala Gula. The study discovered a pattern of water birds commonly spotted in mangrove areas (i.e., Milky Stork and Lesser Adjutant) within the Taiping Lake Garden. The correlation analysis results indicated that shorter distances to green areas and longer distances to urban areas can influence the number of threatened birds spotted. Such findings can assist relevant authorities in the effort to protect and preserve threatened and endangered bird species by promoting a green landscape design and wildlife conservation within a city.

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) give rise to resistance against penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics in multiple bacterial species. The present study was conducted to map genetic determinants and related attributes of ESBL-producing bacteria in three wild aquatic bird species and chickens at the "Trimmu Barrage" in district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. To study the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria, a total of 280 representative samples were collected from wild bird species; cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and common teals (Anas crecca) as well as from indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) originating from a local wet market. The isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers using a double disc synergy test (DDST) and bacterial species were identified using API-20E and 20NE strips. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL genetic determinants and for genus identification via 16S rRNA gene amplification. A phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for ESBL-producing isolates against 12 clinically relevant antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for the sequence data obtained in this study and comparative sequence data obtained from GenBank. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 34.64% (97/280). The highest percentage (44.28%; 31/70) of ESBL-producing bacteria was recovered from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), followed by little egrets (Egretta garzetta) (41.43%; 29/70), common teal (Anas crecca) (28.57%; 20/70) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) (24.28%; 17/70). Five different ESBL-producing bacteria were identified biochemically and confirmed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which included Escherichia coli (72; 74.23%), Enterobacter cloacae (11; 11.34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8; 8.25%), Salmonella enterica (4; 4.12%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2; 2.06%). Based on PCR, the frequency of obtained ESBL genes in 97 isolates was blaCTX-M (51.55%), blaTEM (20.62%), blaOXA (6.18%) and blaSHV (2.06%). In addition, gene combinations blaCTX-M + blaTEM, blaTEM + blaOXA and blaCTX-M + blaSHV were also detected in 16.49%, 2.06% and 1.03% of isolates, respectively. The ESBL gene variation was significant (p = 0.02) in different bacterial species while non-significant in relation to different bird species (p = 0.85). Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequence data confirmed the existence of CTX-M-15 and TEM betalactamases. The average susceptibility of the antibiotics panel used was lowest for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.5% ± 24.42) and Salmonella enterica (62.5% ± 31.08) as compared to Enterobacter cloacae (65.90% ± 21.62), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.83% ± 33.42) and Escherichia coli (73.83% ± 26.19). This study provides insight into the role of aquatic wild birds as reservoirs of ESBL-producing bacteria at Trimmu Barrage, Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, active bio-surveillance and environment preservation actions are necessitated to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Genetic diversity, recombination and cross-species transmission of a waterbird gammacoronavirus in the wild.

Viruses emerging from wildlife can cause outbreaks in humans and domesticated animals. Predicting the emergence of future pathogens and mitigating their impacts requires an understanding of what shapes virus diversity and dynamics in wildlife reservoirs. In order to better understand coronavirus ecology in wild species, we sampled birds within a coastal freshwater lagoon habitat across 5 years, focussing on a large population of mute swans (Cygnus olor) and the diverse species that they interact with. We discovered and characterised the full genome of a divergent gammacoronavirus belonging to the Goose coronavirus CB17 species. We investigated the genetic diversity and dynamics of this gammacoronavirus using untargeted metagenomic sequencing of 223 faecal samples from swans of known age and sex, and RT-PCR screening of 1632 additional bird samples. The virus circulated persistently within the bird community; virus prevalence in mute swans exhibited seasonal variations, but did not change with swan age-class or epidemiological year. One whole genome was fully characterised, and revealed that the virus originated from a recombination event involving an undescribed gammacoronavirus species. Multiple lineages of this gammacoronavirus co-circulated within our study population. Viruses from this species have recently been detected in aquatic birds from both the Anatidae and Rallidae families, implying that host species habitat sharing may be important in shaping virus host range. As the host range of the Goose coronavirus CB17 species is not limited to geese, we propose that this species name should be updated to 'Waterbird gammacoronavirus 1'. Non-invasive sampling of bird coronaviruses may provide a tractable model system for understanding the evolutionary and cross-species dynamics of coronaviruses.

Water Birds of Subhas Sarobar and their Diversity Assessment: Capacity Building in Research Aptitude of Students of Rammohan College, Kolkata

Abstract: Birds perform numerous important ecological services and are sensitive indicators of biological diversity and environmental trends. Around the world, birds may be found in nearly every climate and at nearly every height. They are a natural method of eradicating pests from farms, gardens, and aquatic habitats. Numerous bird species react to even little alterations in the structure and make-up of their habitats, making them useful as environmental change indicators. The Subhas Sarobar is a sizable body of water close to the East Calcutta Wetland (220 43'6" N, 880 24'3" E), which is home to several water bird. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board, a division of the West Bengal Government, first reported the presence of an avifauna in this environment in the year 2000. The current authors looked into the avifauna's actual state in Subhas Sarobar (2019–2020). In contrast to the 7 species reported in 2000, 13 species of water birds belonging to 6 Orders and 6 Families were discovered during a field survey. The Shannon-Wiener index has been used to gauge their diversity. They have been discovered to be in homeostasis, despite anthropological disturbance.

Biological Matrices from Cairina moschata as Non-Destructive Biomonitoring Tools to Study Environmental Quality of Urban and Extra-Urban Areas: A Case Study of Palermo (Sicily, Italy).

Biomonitoring is the qualitative observation and the measurement of biosphere parameters aimed at modelling the environment, evaluating its quality, and studying the effects of alterations on different ecological levels. In this work, trace metal concentrations were assessed using non-destructive biomonitoring tools as blood and feathers of the allochthonous aquatic bird Cairina moschata, collected within two areas of the Palermo metropolitan area, Sicily, differently exposed to air pollution: Parco D'Orleans, in a central urban location, and Monreale, southwest of the city centre. Higher concentrations in both blood and feathers collected in Parco D' Orleans were found for lead, tin and selenium, but the same was not observed for other metals. The concentrations were not above physiological tolerance in any case. The comparison between blood and feathers allowed to realize that the latter are more useful for biomonitoring analyses, as they are indicative of both external contamination and bioaccumulation. Treatment with nitric acid highlighted that the feathers collected in Parco D' Orleans had higher metal bioaccumulation than the ones collected in Monreale; however, the treatment needs standardization. The present study confirms that feathers and blood from C. moschata are a convenient and non-destructive sampling tool for metal contamination analysis.

Inventory of Migratory Water birds in the coastal areas of Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India.

The present study was done on migratory water birds in the coastal and surrounding areas of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India from July 2020 to June 2022. A total number of 51 migratory water bird species belonging to 7 orders and 10 families were recorded during this study. Among the recorded species 45 species were the Least Concern (LC) and 4 were Near Threatened (NT) and 1 species each were Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN). Scolopacidae was represented as highest family of 16 species because aggregation of migratory waders birds during winter season. The overall Shannon Diversity Index (H’) was 0.892 and the Shannon Evenness (J’) value was 0.226. The Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) was 0.286. All the diversity Index were lowest because of dominating Lesser Whisting-duck Dendrocygna javanica (Horsfield, 1821) (9015) aggregate in the coastal wetlands and bheries during winter season. In future more focus will be on this areas as there are many places still not properly explored and several wetlands which need to be studied in a thorough manner for a better understanding about the migratory avian diversity of this area.

Phylogenetic analysis of avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts in northern Iran.

Trichobilharzia regenti (T. regenti) is an avian schistosomatid fluke species that causes human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in areas of aquaculture in northern Iran. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of this thread-like fluke will deepen our thoughtful of avian schistosomiasis epidemiology and lead to more effective HCD control in the region. To determine the life cycle of nasal Trichobilharzia in aquatic birds as well as aquatic snails and also identify the haplotype diversity of the isolates in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. In the present study, adult or egg of Trichobilharzia isolated from aquatic birds as well as schistosomes cercariae isolated from aquatic snails in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, belonged to the authors' previous research, were examined. Molecular studies and phylogenetic analysis were carried out on these schistosomes samples. The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 and COX1 genes in isolated schistosomes revealed that all samples belong to the T. regenti clade. Remarkably, based on phylogenetic results, these schistosomes samples from Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, A. platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata and Lymnaea stagnalis grouped together with previously sequenced samples from Iran (Trichobilharzia cf. regenti). Unlike the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network of COX1 gene, ITS1 did not show distinct clusters. This study completed the puzzle of the disease in Mazandaran Province by isolating and genotyping furkocercariae from L. stagnalis that was consistent with the isolated new genotype from ducks. For the first time in Iran, this confirmed the potential role of L. stagnalis snails in the transmission of the disease.

Patterns of species diversity in a network of artificial islands

AbstractAimArtificial island habitats such as human‐made wetlands are emerging novel ecosystems. Understanding the drivers of diversity in such artificial systems is essential for balancing the goals of biodiversity conservation and human socio‐economic needs.LocationTelangana state, India.MethodsWe surveyed water birds in a network of 57 artificial wetlands and assessed four macroecological biodiversity patterns: spatial betadiversity, temporal betadiversity, species‐abundance distributions (SADs), and the species–area relationship (SAR). We employed a mix of phenomenological and mechanistic models to examine the four macroecological patterns. We hypothesized that the wetland bird communities are primarily structured by immigration–extinction dynamics and thus that spatial and temporal betadiversity would be high, the within‐wetland SADs would exhibit a large number of rare species and a monotonically declining overall shape, and that the SAR across wetlands would be strongly increasing.ResultsSpatial and temporal betadiversity were both high and mostly attributable to turnover rather than nestedness. While the pooled SAD exhibited an interior mode, the SAD for individual wetlands was generally log‐series distributed, consistent with a model in which immigration among wetlands is high. The SAR exhibited an increasing trend, with the ‘small‐island effect’, which reflects constraints on immigration and is often observed for true island archipelagos, being absent.Main ConclusionsWe tentatively conclude that bird diversity in this network of artificial wetlands is mainly structured by immigration–extinction dynamics, although we acknowledge that some of the patterns are also consistent with niche dynamics and future research should measure relevant biotic and abiotic variables in these wetlands. We encourage future work in which our rich dataset is used to fit dynamic models that permit more‐detailed quantitative inferences about mechanisms structuring diversity in this novel ecosystem, which can ultimately also inform conservation management.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of avian influenza H3N8 virus isolated from imported waterfowl in Malaysia.

Wild aquatic birds are natural reservoirs of influenza A viruses and H3 subtype is one of the most prevalent subtypes in waterfowl. Two H3N8 viruses of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) were isolated via egg inoculation technique from the fecal swab specimens from imported barnacle goose and paradise shelduck in Veterinary Research Institute Ipoh, Malaysia. The full length of eight gene segments of the two viruses were amplified and sequenced with specific primers. The sequences were molecularly characterized, and the sequence identity were assessed with other published sequences. The two viruses are identical and they possess the same amino acid sequences for all the eight gene segments. The viruses were highly similar to the H3 virus from Netherlands and N8 virus from Belgium respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the eight gene segments were grouped in the Eurasian lineage, and genetic reassortment may occur between the internal genes of the H3 viruses and other AI subtypes. Though four amino acid substitutions were identified in the hemagglutinin gene, the viruses retained most of the avian-type receptor binding preference. Few amino acid substitutions were observed in all internal genes. Most of the neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantine resistance related mutation were not seen in the viruses. The replicative capacity, cross species transmissibility, and potential zoonotic risk of the viruses are worth further investigation. As H3 virus poses potential threats to both human and animals, and with the increase in the international trade of birds; strict quarantine practice at the entry point and good laboratory diagnostic capabilities is crucial to prevent the introduction of new AI virus into our country.

Influence of "``Avigen Duck" Immunomodulator on Some Humoral Factors of Non-specific Protection in White Pekin Ducks Parents

Field trials were carried out to investigate the impact of “AVIGEN DUCK” immunomodulator on the IFN-γ concentration, IL-2, IL-6, lysozyme, and betalysine activity in the blood serum in White Pekin ducks’ parents. The IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6 were analyzed by immunoenzyme methods, while the lysozyme and beta-lysine activities were determined using conventional techniques. The measured values among experimental birds for most parameters were significantly higher than those in controls during the observed period. An exception to this trend were the concentrations of lysozyme and beta-lysine, in which an inverse relationship was noticed. During the experiments, the challenged flocks were bred without the use of antibiotics. Based on collected data we consider the immunomodulator “AVIGEN DUCK” a successful alternative tool in the fight against microbial resistance associated with the use of antibiotics in poultry farming, as well as a means of enhancing the natural immunity in aquatic birds.

Comparative morphology of the avian bony columella.

In birds, the columella is the only bony element of the sound conducting apparatus, conveying vibrations of the cartilaginous extracolumella to the fluid of the inner ear. Although avian columellar morphology has attracted some attention over the past century, it nonetheless remains poorly described in the literature. The few existing studies mostly focus on morphological descriptions in relatively few taxa, with no taxonomically broad surveys yet published. Here we use observations of columellae from 401 extant bird species to provide a comprehensive survey of columellar morphology in a phylogenetic context. We describe the columellae of several taxa for the first time and identify derived morphologies characterizing higher-level clades based on current phylogenies. In particular, we identify a derived columellar morphology diagnosing a major subclade of Accipitridae. Within Suliformes, we find that Fregatidae, Sulidae, and Phalacrocoracidae share a derived morphology that is absent in Anhingidae, suggesting a secondary reversal. Phylogenetically informed comparisons allow recognition of instances of homoplasy, including the distinctive bulbous columellae in suboscine passerines and taxa belonging to Eucavitaves, and bulging footplates that appear to have evolved at least twice independently in Strigiformes. We consider phylogenetic and functional factors influencing avian columellar morphology, finding that aquatic birds possess small footplates relative to columellar length, possibly related to hearing function in aquatic habitats. By contrast, the functional significance of the distinctive bulbous basal ends of the columellae of certain arboreal landbird taxa remains elusive.

Diversity and abundance of aquatic birds in Koonthankulam village pond, Tamil Nadu, India

The diversity of birds in Koonthankulam pond, located in Koonthankulam village (8.495N, 77.755E), Tirunelveli district, southern Tamil Nadu, was studied. A total of 90 species belonging to 21 orders, 42 families, and 73 genera were recorded. The study recorded seasonal migrants such as Black Ibis, Oriental White Ibis, Bar-headed Goose & Spoonbill and indigenous species including the Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, White-breasted Kingfisher, Red-wattled Lapwing, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Hoopoe, and Indian Robin. The primary data were analyzed by principal component analysis, cluster, and analysis of variance. Analysis of variance showed that the Menhinick index is statistically significant P <0.05. A structural equation model was applied to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of water samples collected from the sampling site. Analysis of experimental data through the structural equation model indicates temperature and dissolved oxygen may indirectly affect bird diversity.

Newly emerged genotypes of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan during winter 2020/21.

During the 2020/21 winter season, 29 and 10 H5N8 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) were isolated from environmental water and wild birds, respectively, in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. Furthermore, seven subtypes of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) were also isolated; H1N1, H2N9, H3N2, H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, and H6N6 subtypes. While the H5 hemagglutinin (HA) genes of the G1 cluster were isolated throughout the winter season, those of the G2 cluster were also detected in late winter, suggesting that H5 HPAIVs possessing H5 HA genes from the two different clusters were individually introduced into Kagoshima prefecture. Intriguingly, genetic constellations revealed that the H5N8 HPAIVs could be classified into six genotypes, including four previously reported genotypes (E1, E2, E3, and E7), and two new genotypes (tentatively named E8 and E9). The PB1 and PA gene segments of genotypes E8 and E9 shared high similarity with those of LPAIVs, whereas the remaining gene segments were close to those of genotype E1. Furthermore, LPAIVs whose PA gene segment was close to that of genotype E9 were isolated from the environmental water. Overall, we revealed that various HPAIV genotypes circulated in Kagoshima prefecture during the 2020/21 winter season. This study highlights the importance of monitoring both HPAIV and LPAIV to better understand AIV ecology in migratory waterfowl populations.

Evaluating Effects of AIV Infection Status on Ducks Using a Flow Cytometry-Based Differential Blood Count.

Ducks have recently received a lot of attention from the research community due to their importance as natural reservoirs of avian influenza virus (AIV). Still, there is a lack of tools to efficiently determine the immune status of ducks. The purpose of this work was to develop an automated differential blood count for the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos), to assess reference values of white blood cell (WBC) counts in this species, and to apply the protocol in an AIV field study. We established a flow cytometry-based duck WBC differential based on a no-lyse no-wash single-step one-tube technique, applying a combination of newly generated monoclonal antibodies with available duck-specific as well as cross-reacting chicken markers. The blood cell count enables quantification of mallard thrombocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, B cells, CD4+ T cells (T helper) and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. The technique is reproducible, accurate, and much faster than traditional evaluations of blood smears. Stabilization of blood samples enables analysis up to 1 week after sampling, thus allowing for evaluation of blood samples collected in the field. We used the new technique to investigate a possible influence of sex, age, and AIV infection status on WBC counts in wild mallards. We show that age has an effect on the WBC counts in mallards, as does sex in juvenile mallards. Interestingly, males naturally infected with low pathogenic AIV showed a reduction of lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia) and thrombocytes (thrombocytopenia), which are both common in influenza A infection in humans. IMPORTANCE Outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry and humans are a global public health concern. Aquatic birds are the primary natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), and strikingly, AIVs mainly cause asymptomatic or mild infection in these species. Hence, immunological studies in aquatic birds are important for investigating variation in disease outcome of different hosts to AIV and may aid in early recognition and a better understanding of zoonotic events. Unfortunately, immunological studies in these species were so far hampered by the lack of diagnostic tools. Here, we present a technique that enables high-throughput white blood cell (WBC) analysis in the mallard and report changes in WBC counts in wild mallards naturally infected with AIV. Our protocol permits large-scale immune status monitoring in a widespread wild and domesticated duck species and provides a tool to further investigate the immune response in an important reservoir host of zoonotic viruses.

Physicochemical Parameters of Water and Its Implications on Avifauna and Habitat Quality

Wetland ecosystems are essential for maintaining biological diversity and are significant elements of the global landscape. However, the biodiversity of wetlands has been significantly reduced by more than 50% worldwide due to the rapid expansion of urban areas and other human activities. The aforementioned factors have resulted in drastic antagonistic effects on species composition, particularly aquatic avifauna. The decline in wetland avifauna, which can be attributed to changes in water quality that impact aquatic habitats, is a major concern. In this study, we evaluated the impact of physicochemical parameters on aquatic avifauna in India’s first Conservation Reserve, a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area. Water samples were collected on a monthly basis across nine different sites and various parameters, such as temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, biological oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and salinity, were analyzed for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, while point count surveys were conducted to assess species richness and the density of waterbirds. Our findings show a positive correlation of species density with water temperature (r = 0.57), total dissolved solids (r = 0.56) and dissolved oxygen (r = 0.6) for pre-monsoon season and a negative correlation for dissolved oxygen (r = −0.62) and biological oxygen demand (r = −0.69) for post-monsoon season. We suggest that a synergistic effect of pH, salinity, biological oxygen demand and total dissolved solids may affect aquatic bird populations in Asan Conservation Reserve. Poor water quality was observed in a few sampling sites, which may negatively affect the number and density of waterbirds present. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of water quality in wetland conservation, particularly for aquatic avifauna.

Spatial and temporal variations in the environmental and biological characteristics of the Turyanchay River basin, Azerbaijan

This is the first comprehensive examination of the Turyanchay River in Azerbaijan, focusing on water quality (WQ), contamination, and biodiversity at four different locations: Gabala, Agdash, Udjar and Zardab. The study analysed nutrient (nitrate, ammonium, phosphate) and metal/metalloid (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, Fe and Al) contamination levels, as well as the diversity of macrozoobenthos in the river, birds and vegetation. The chemical and biological oxygen demands (COD and BOD), including WQ index (WQI) were also determined for the river. The results showed no significant difference in the levels of nutrients, metal/metalloid, COD, BOD, WQI and macrozoobenthos diversity across different locations (p > .05). However, they revealed temporal fluctuations, with their highest levels being recorded during the warmer months (July and August) and the lowest during the colder months (March and November). The estimated WQI, ranging from 19.6 to 43.6, indicated that the water in the Turyanchay River is safe for household and consumption purposes. Up to 83 species of macrozoobenthos were identified, with Hydropsychidae and Chironomidae showing the highest species richness, followed by Coenagrionidae, Psychomyiidae, Ceratopogonidae, Baetidae, Naididae and Gammaridae. Eighteen bird species, consisting of 11 terrestrial and 7 aquatic birds, were recorded, with eight of these species belonging to the Order Charadriiformes. A total of 42 different plant species belonging to 17 families were identified in the Turyanchay River basin, with Fabaceae being the most widely distributed, followed by Asteraceae and Typhaceae. This study provides important baseline data for the Turyanchay River, offering insights into its freshwater environment and biodiversity, and should support future monitoring efforts.

Composition and structure of water birds in some areas of northwestern Algeria

Wetlands have an inestimable importance in different regions of the world. Algeria is rich in wetlands which are among the most precious resources in terms of biological diversity. Water birds are particularly attractive and important because of their long-distance migrations and their potential as indicators of the status and value of wetlands. This is how; works on the avifauna are still more and rarer, in Algeria and particularly in the area of Tiaret. It’s, with this in mind, that our study, which relates to the assessment of the biodiversity of birds in the wetlands of Tiaret area and Tissemsilt area, over a period of two years, from 2016 to 2018, and this in order to inventory and determine the distribution of all species of birds, photographed or captured and recognize species of ecological, trophic and phenological interest, located in these regions which remains still virgin.

FOOD CONTENTS ANALYSIS OF WATERFOWL PASSING THROUGH INDUS THE RIVER AT TAUNSA, SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

A study was carried out to assess the food composition of migratory waterfowl in Bet Makwal Kalan, near the Head Taunsa Barrage, along the River Indus passage. Migratory water birds are thought to be important components in dispersal of total living entity especially seeds due to their proclivity for extensive relocations. They might be found in large numbers in the muddy sections. Migratory water birds are important components of total plant dispersal due to their proclivity for making extensive migrations. A sum of 459 gizzard samples was collected, during their Fall migration, relating to 10 Waterfowl species i.e. Northern Pintail (n=56), Eurasian Wigeon (n=17), Garganay (n=07), Mallard (n=02), Northern Shoveler (n=22), Common Teal (n=129), Gadwall (n=158), Tufted Duck (n=04), Common Pochard (n=29) and Ferruginous Duck (n=34). During their winter migration, the Waterfowl species picked plants over animals as their primary source of sustenance when travelling through Taunsa. Food research revealed that all 10 species of birds consumed large amounts of seeds. Out of ten duck species, two plant species (Naias marina and Potamogeton pusillus) consistently ranked among the top seeds ingested by six of the duck species (Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and Common Pochard). Whereas the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Ferruginous Duck have been found to consume large amounts of seeds from Potamogeton pectinatus and Poligonum spp. It was determined that molluscans and crustaceans residues were found to be well-represented in the gizzard samples of ducks. The recent study also highlighted that various vegetations play vital role in wetland ecosystems as a basic wild food provider. A larger population of migrating Waterfowl yield better findings for this study, which is currently being undertaken.

Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl

Abstract Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges drive saline water into terrestrial wetland habitats. Because newly hatched water birds lack functional salt glands to process saline water, salinization may negatively impact their growth and survival. We investigated potential demographic impacts of wetland salinization by conducting controlled physiological experiments to determine consequences of saline water exposure to spectacled Somateria fischeri and Steller's eider Polysticta stelleri ducklings, and analysed habitat suitability based on experimentally defined tolerance thresholds and sampled wetland salinity levels. We found physiological and behavioural pathologies in <1 week old ducklings at exposure levels of 6 parts per thousand (ppt), and found some evidence of reduced growth in ducklings first exposed after 1 week of age. We conclude that the acute toxicity threshold for ducklings <1 week of age is ≤6 ppt. We found that the area of coastal tundra where wetland salinity exceeded 6 ppt varied considerably among years, suggesting that some portion of the breeding range is unsuitable for rearing ducklings in some years. However, we also found that most eiders in most years nested in areas with salinity at or exceeding the tolerance threshold for ducklings, suggesting that nesting eiders do not appear to avoid saline habitats. We suggest that localized fresh water refugia currently may allow resilience to salinization during the critical period. Understanding how species and habitats respond to climate driven changes is essential for predicting future patterns of distribution and abundance, and is necessary for making informed decisions about conservation priorities. Our study provides insights into the extent of wetland salinization in Alaska, mechanism of impact and current ecological consequences on avian communities depending on these habitats. With ongoing climate change, the probability of species crossing physiological tolerance thresholds of wetland salinity may change in the future. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Integrated multiphase ecological risk assessment of heavy metals for migratory water birds in wetland ecosystem: A case study of Dongzhangwu Wetland, China

Wetland is an important feature of the landscape that provides beneficial services. However, with the ever-increasing heavy metal load, the quality of wetlands is deteriorating. Dongzhangwu Wetland in Hebei, China, was taken as our study site. It provides breeding and foraging grounds to migratory water birds such as Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Great Egret (Ardea alba), and Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). The current study aimed to quantify heavy metals exposure hazard and risk to the water migratory birds by employing a non-destructive approach. Oral intake was considered the main exposure route to calculate total exposure via multiple phases. The concentrations of Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Ni, Mn, and Cd were investigated in water, soil and food compartments of three different habitat components (Longhe River, Natural Pond and Fish Pond). The results showed: (1) The trend of potential daily dose (PDD) was Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu > As > Cd while for hazard quotient (HQ) was Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > As > Ni > Mn > Cd, making Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and As the priority pollutants in all habitats, with Natural Pond eliciting the highest exposure. (2) The cumulative heavy metal exposure, explained by the integrated nemerow risk index, characterized all three habitats for all the birds in high exposure risk category. (3) The exposure frequency index identified that all the birds are frequently exposed to heavy metals from multiple phases in all three habitats. (4) Little Egret is at the highest pedagogy of exposure from single or multiple heavy metal(s) in all three habitats. A rigorous management plan for identified priority pollutants is required to improve wetland functioning and ecological services. Decision-makers could use the developed tissue residue objectives for protecting Egret species in Dongzhangwu Wetland as benchmarks.