Wetland Complex Research Articles

Advances in remote sensing of the early Anthropocene in tropical wetlands: From biplanes to lidar and machine learning

This paper reviews the history of remote sensing for mapping ancient Maya wetland fields in Central America and provides a new assessment using machine learning with LiDAR data. We evaluate past uses of radar, multispectral, and LiDAR datasets in Northwest Belize across well-studied wetland field complexes that occur under different vegetation conditions. Next, we compare topographic products derived from LiDAR data commonly used for archaeology and geomorphology. Lastly, we train a machine learning algorithm to detect ancient canals with LiDAR data and test the algorithm on a newly rediscovered field system. The spatial resolution of any dataset must be sufficiently high (2-m or finer resolution) to detect most of these canals reliably. High resolution multispectral sensors can detect canals in open areas, but most wetland complexes are under dense tropical forest impenetrable to multispectral instruments. LiDAR data were the most useful due to the high spatial resolution (0.5-m) and the ability to penetrate canopy, but still have limitations under certain conditions. The intensity of the LiDAR returns with multispectral LiDAR systems can reveal differences in soil and vegetation between ancient canals and fields in places leveled by modern farmers. The algorithm successfully maps ancient canals but has many false positives in natural depressions and drainages. Although the machine learning approach tested here cannot be used on its own, we used it with the LiDAR visualizations to refine the canal estimates from previous studies, mapping nearly 50% more canals in the Central Rio Bravo floodplain than originally published.

A dynamic model for assessing soil denitrification in large-scale natural wetlands driven by Earth Observations.

The Wetland Soils Denitrification Model (WSDM) developed here for natural wetlands, is a physical based model that proposes: (i) the inclusion of soil moisture and temperature from satellite-based Earth Observations at diurnal temporal resolution and (ii) the distinction of soils under different wetland typologies (i.e., flooded forests, freshwater marshes, brackish wetlands, peatlands, and complex wetlands). Despite uncertainties involved, these two features are key to upscale nitrification/denitrification dynamics in natural wetlands at landscape, regional and global scales. In this study, the performance of WSDM was validated with soils in flooded forests and freshwater marshes in the central Amazonian floodplain. WSDM multiannual time series (2012–2019) show that climate anomalies intensify denitrification events. Flooded forests were identified with the highest annual denitrification rates. Annual denitrification and N2O emissions estimated in this study are in line with previous studies.

Comparing Landsat Dynamic Surface Water Extent to alternative methods of measuring inundation in developing waterbird habitats

This study investigates the applicability of the Landsat Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DSWE) science product for waterbird habitat modeling in multiple non-canopied habitat types. We compare surface water distribution estimates derived from DSWE to two site-specific survey methods: visual surveys and digitized aerial imagery. These site-specific surveys were conducted on Poplar Island, a restoration island project in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. Visual surveys were collected bimonthly from 2006 to 2013, and digitized aerial imagery was collected annually from 2006 to 2015. As a restoration island, Poplar Island presents a unique opportunity to analyze DSWE in a rapidly changing site. We structure our analysis based on the procedural development of individual sub-island cells developed from unconsolidated dredge material into fully restored wetlands that have independent hydrologic connection to the surrounding bay. Each development status is analyzed using our three DSWE classifications: Open Water (OW), a conservative estimate; Wetland Inclusive (WI), an aggressive estimate; and Development Dependent (DD), a landcover adaptive estimate. The OW classification consistently underestimates surface water coverage especially in the more complex, fully developed cells. The WI classification is better able to capture the tidal channels in these cells, but marginally overestimates surface water coverage in more sparsely vegetated cells. The DD classification does not significantly improve upon the estimations of the WI classification. Our data indicate that DSWE can be a capable alternative to our site-specific survey methods. However, the product is limited by Landsat's 30 m spatial resolution, especially in more structurally complex wetlands. A recommended classification method for characterizing waterbird habitats would depend on the goals and targeted scale of analysis, for which DSWE may be a viable option.

Climate and Land Use Driven Ecosystem Homogenization in the Prairie Pothole Region

The homogenization of freshwater ecosystems and their biological communities has emerged as a prevalent and concerning phenomenon because of the loss of ecosystem multifunctionality. The millions of prairie-pothole wetlands scattered across the Prairie Pothole Region (hereafter PPR) provide critical ecosystem functions at local, regional, and continental scales. However, an estimated loss of 50% of historical wetlands and the widespread conversion of grasslands to cropland make the PPR a heavily modified landscape. Therefore, it is essential to understand the current and potential future stressors affecting prairie-pothole wetland ecosystems in order to conserve and restore their functions. Here, we describe a conceptual model that illustrates how (a) historical wetland losses, (b) anthropogenic landscape modifications, and (c) climate change interact and have altered the variability among remaining depressional wetland ecosystems (i.e., ecosystem homogenization) in the PPR. We reviewed the existing literature to provide examples of wetland ecosystem homogenization, provide implications for wetland management, and identify informational gaps that require further study. We found evidence for spatial, hydrological, chemical, and biological homogenization of prairie-pothole wetlands. Our findings indicate that the maintenance of wetland ecosystem multifunctionality is dependent on the preservation and restoration of heterogenous wetland complexes, especially the restoration of small wetland basins.

Conservation prioritization through combined approach of umbrella species selection, occupancy estimation, habitat suitability and connectivity analysis of kingfisher: A study from an internationally important wetland complex (Ramsar site) in India

Assessment of occupancy status, as well as projection of suitable habitats and connectivity of wetland indicator species, and thereby identification of potential conservation umbrella and projection of conservation priority areas are often considered important for wetland conservation. Kingfishers are wetland indicators and suffer from habitat degradation due to world-wide destruction of wetlands. Therefore, they can be considered potential candidates for conservation intervention. The present knowledge about the spatial distribution of suitable areas and habitat connectivity of kingfishers at a landscape level is non-existent. We conducted extensive surveys and recorded four kingfisher species in East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW; Ramsar site No. 1208; ∼125 km2). The occupancy estimates were highest for White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis, WTK), followed by common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis, CK), stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis, SBK) and lowest for pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis, PK). WTK has the highest amount of suitable areas followed by CK, PK and SBK. The spatial overlap of suitable habitats showed that SBK is the potential umbrella species and therefore provides conservation benefits to other kingfisher species and eventually to the EKW. In addition to water areas, emergent vegetation, crop lands and tree cover are other important habitats for kingfishers. The connectivity analyses revealed that suitable habitats were disjunct and are under various anthropogenic threats. Therefore, we need to protect suitable habitats and connectivity between them. Finally, we identified conservation priority areas. Conservation intervention on these high priority zones will not only be beneficial for kingfishers, but also for other avifauna having similar resource requirements as well as the wetland parse.

UAS Hyperspatial LiDAR Data Performance in Delineation and Classification across a Gradient of Wetland Types

Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining stable and productive ecosystems, and they continue to be at heightened risk from anthropogenic and natural degradation, especially along the rapidly developing Atlantic Coastal Plain of North America. As such, strategies to develop up-to-date and high-resolution wetland inventories and classifications remain highly relevant in the context of accelerating sea-level rise and coastal changes. Historically, satellite and airborne remote sensing data along with traditional field-based methods have been used for wetland delineation, yet, more recently, the advent of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms and sensors is opening new avenues of performing rapid and accurate wetland classifications. To test the relative advantages and limitations of UAS technologies for wetland mapping and classification, we developed wetland classification models using UAS-collected multispectral and UAS-collected light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data relative to airborne-derived LiDAR models of wetland types ranging from palustrine to estuarine. The models were parameterized through a pixel-based random forest algorithm to evaluate model performance systematically and establish variable importance for a suite of variables including topographic, hydrologic, and vegetation-based indices. Based on our experimental results, the average overall classification accuracy and kappa coefficients for the UAS LiDAR-derived models are 75.29% and 0.74, respectively, compared to 79.80% and 0.75 for the airborne LiDAR-derived models, with significant differences in the spatial representation of final wetland classes. The resulting classification maps for the UAS models capture more precise wetland delineations than those of airborne models when trained with ground reference data collected at the same time as the UAS flights. The similar accuracy between the airborne and UAS models suggest that the UAS LiDAR is comparable to the airborne LiDAR. However, given poor revisit time of the airborne surveys and the high spatial resolution and precision of the UAS data, UAS-collected LiDAR provides excellent complementary data to statewide airborne missions or for specific applications that require hyperspatial data. For more structurally complex wetland types (such as the palustrine scrub shrub), UAS hyperspatial LiDAR data performs better and is much more advantageous to use in delineation and classification models. The results of this study contribute towards enhancing wetland delineation and classification models using data collected from multiple UAS platforms.

Wetland Restoration through Excavation: Sediment Removal Results in Dramatic Water Quality Improvement

We evaluated whether sediment excavation improved water quality in a former (pre-European settlement) wetland complex that was a farm in the early 1900s and then later in the 1990s/early 2000s was allowed to naturally refill with water and became nutrient-rich ponds plagued by legacy phosphorus issues. Two ponds were recently restored via dewatering, excavation of the surface sediment, and hydrologic reconnection to an adjacent creek to re-establish a flow-through marsh. The removal of ~103,000 m3 of phosphorus-laden sediment and reconnection to the adjacent stream resulted in improved water quality, with a reduction in total phosphorus concentration from ~1000 μg/L to ~20 μg/L and a 40% reduction in specific conductivity in both former ponds. Soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations declined substantially in one pond, from ~720 μg/L to 3 μg/L, but not in another pond, which was partially dredged by the landowner prior to restoration. Additionally, phosphorus concentration in the downstream receiving water body also declined but to a much more modest degree. Sediment excavation was an effective restoration tool in this former agricultural system, but given the expense and potential impact on pre-existing biota, a full-system diagnosis, including cost, sediment characterization, and control of external nutrient loading, is recommended before its implementation elsewhere.

Using cloud computing techniques to monitor long-term variations in ecohydrological dynamics of small seasonally-flooded wetlands in semi-arid South Africa

• Semi-arid Southern African wetlands are lost due to unsustainable use and poor management. • Ramsar Convention on wetlands encourages development of frameworks for wetlands conservation. • The implementation of these frameworks is hindered by a dearth of high-resolution data. • Google Earth Engine (GEE) offers opportunities to address data challenges. • Findings underscores the relevance of GEE in evaluating wetland ecohydrological dynamics. Wetlands in drylands have high inter- and intra-annual ecohydrological variations that are driven to a great extent by climate variability and anthropogenic influences. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands encourages the development of frameworks for national action and international cooperation for ensuring conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources at local, national and regional scales. However, the implementation of these frameworks remains a challenge. This is mainly due to limited availability of high-resolution data and suitable big data processing techniques for assessing and monitoring wetland ecohydrological dynamics at large spatial scales, particularly in the sub-Saharan African region. The availability of cloud computing platforms such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) offers unique big data handling and processing opportunities to address some of these challenges. In this study, we applied the GEE cloud computing platform to monitor the long-term ecohydrological dynamics of a seasonally flooded part of the Nylsvley floodplain wetland complex in north-eastern South Africa over a 20-year period (2000–2020). The specific objectives of the study were 1) to evaluate wetland ecohydrological dynamics using the 20-year multi-date Landsat composite data coupled with the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, and 2) to establish the major drivers of wetland ecohydrological changes, using selected spectral indices (i.e. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalised Difference Phenology Index (NDPI)) coupled with climate data. The ecohydrology of the wetland changed over time, with some classes increasing twice when compared to the previous measurement, while others decreasing significantly during the study period. Notably, the bare surface class increased at rates of 230% and 350% between 2006–2010 and 2016–2020, respectively. Moreover, the indices showed similar trends throughout the 20-year period, with NDWI having minimum values less than zero in all cases. This implied no surface inundation, although the presence of some wetland vegetation indicated seasonal to semi-permanent soil saturation conditions. A comparative analysis of climate data and remotely sensed indices showed that annual changes of precipitation and evapotranspiration were the main drivers of wetland ecohydrological variations. The findings of the study underscore the relevance of cloud computing artificial intelligence techniques, and particularly the GEE platform, in evaluating wetland ecohydrological dynamics for semi-arid southern African systems which are deteriorating due to the unsustainable use and poor management resulting from limited knowledge about their changes over time.

Distribution of breeding waterbirds in relation to wetland characteristics in the Oued Righ valley in the Algerian Sahara

Abstract In the framework of this study 14 breeding species were identified in the wetland complex of the Oued Righ valley in the Algerian Sahara. Six species of breeding Anatidae were reported, two of which are classified as vulnerable and threatened, namely, the ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca and the marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris. For shorebirds, we noted reproduction of the pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, the black-winged stilt Himantopus Himantopus, and the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus in most of the wetlands studied. We report for the first time nesting of the slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus genei at Chott Merouane with 72 pairs recorded during the breeding season 2018. This colony was associated with the larger colony of greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus composed of 640 pairs. Principal component analysis (PCA), gathering 69.74% of the information, showed a significant correlation between the distribution of different bird species and the main environmental factors, that is, vegetation, water surface area, water depth, and salinity, and a strong correlation between the species of Annatidae and Rallidae, which are associated with less-saline environments rich in vegetation and deep water, with the exception of shelducks, which prefer large surface areas with less-dense vegetation and more holomorphic water. For the shorebirds such as R. avosetta and H. himantopus, there was a clear preference for large wetlands with shallow water and relatively high salinity. A remarkable correlation was also noted for P. roseus, where a strong distribution of breeding populations was observed in areas with the highest salinity levels and a vast surface area.

The environmental assessment of the specially protected natural area «Lake Dus-Khol» due to its recreational use

This paper deals with the field integrated geo-environmental research of lake Dus-Khol in the summer of 2021. Under the leadership of the Tuvan Scientific Center in the context of project to identify maximum permissible and optimal recreation load on the specially protected natural area the study collected and updated data on the number of visitors and the condition of the coastal ecosystem health. Lake Dus-Khol is located in Tandinsky kozhuun of the Republic of Tuva, 3 km away from lake Hadyn. Dus-Khol is one of the most visited lakes in the Republic of Tuva. The main attractions are therapeutic mud, high-quality rapa, heliotherms, and drinking mineral waters. A regime of regional specially protected natural area has been introduced on the territory of the lake, the main goal is to preserve natural wetland complexes in their natural state and protect them from the negative effects of anthropogenic and man-made factors. Based on the data obtained, the types of recreation, the values of recreational load and the degree of recreational digression of the ecosystem are determined. The forms of recreation, recreation load values and recreation degree of ecosystem were identified based on the received data. The ways of optimizing recreational nature management on the lake were proposed. The visitors were counted by route counting method during the peak season. Data on the types and scale of recreational activities, as well as the degree of recreational digression of natural complexes of the coast were carried out by visual assessments and surveys.

Evidence-based Risk Assessment of Ecological Damage due to Groundwater Abstraction; the Case of Doñana Natural Space, Spain

Many regions of the world are facing mounting water stress as competition increases for this vital resource that may become scarcer under future climates. More water is being allocated to our needs for food, public supply, hydro-electric power and industrial goods to support growing populations and mounting life-style expectations. To achieve this, less water is often being retained for water-dependent ecosystems. Environmental protection agencies and conservation organisations have highlighted the resulting threat to freshwater biodiversity and associated ecosystem services that support human livelihoods and well-being. Careful assessments are therefore required to advise on the optimum allocation of water and to determine the risk of developments that require redistribution of water resources.Along the northern fringes of the Guadalquivir River delta and estuary in southern Spain about 40% of all jobs derive from agriculture. The production of olives, fruit trees, rice and berries is a major component of the local economy producing large exports, but it requires significant water from local rivers and the underlying aquifers. The economy is also reliant on tourism that brings many thousands of people to the area in the summer for which groundwater abstraction is augmented. The delta is the location of the Doñana wetland complex of lagoons, marshlands, fixed and mobile dunes that was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1980, as wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site) under the Convention on Wetlands in 1982 and as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Fears have been expressed that increasing human water use is putting the wetlands at risk of drying out, despite efforts by the river basin authority to limit abstraction to sustainable levels.This paper reports on a methodology that analyses best available eco-hydrological scientific knowledge together with information on the likely success of abstraction control measures to determine the risk to the wetland ecosystem of current and future planned water allocation. The method was applied to Doñana by the joint UNESCO/IUCN/Ramsar Reactive Monitoring mission to in 2020. The results are also provided in the paper, which raised many important scientific and related political, legal and social issues concerning the impacts of water withdrawals on the ecology of the wetlands. The methodology has wide application to environmental water allocation assessments.

Simulating the Changes of Invasive Phragmites australis in a Pristine Wetland Complex with a Grey System Coupled System Dynamic Model: A Remote Sensing Practice

Biological invasion has been one of the reasons that coastal wetlands gradually lose their ecological services. The current study investigates the spread of a commonly found invasive species in coastal wetlands in Northeastern US, the Phragmites australis. Within a relatively pristine wetland complex in coastal New Jersey, we collected high-resolution multispectral remote sensing images for eight years (2011–2018), in both winter and summer seasons. The land cover/land use status in this wetland complex is relatively simple, contains only five identifiable vegetation covers and water. Applying high accuracy machine learning algorithms, we are able to classify the land use/land cover in the complex and use the classified images as the basis for the grey system coupled system dynamics simulative model. The simulative model produces land use land cover change in the wetland complex for the next 25 years. Results suggest that Phragmites australis will increase in coverage in the future, despite the stable intensity of anthropogenic activities. The wetland complex could lose its essential ecological services to serve as an exchange spot for nekton species from the sea.

Identifying plant species in kettle holes using UAV images and deep learning techniques

AbstractThe use of uncrewed aerial vehicle to map the environment increased significantly in the last decade enabling a finer assessment of the land cover. However, creating accurate maps of the environment is still a complex and costly task. Deep learning (DL) is a new generation of artificial neural network research that, combined with remote sensing techniques, allows a refined understanding of our environment and can help to solve challenging land cover mapping issues. This research focuses on the vegetation segmentation of kettle holes. Kettle holes are small, pond‐like, depressional wetlands. Quantifying the vegetation present in this environment is essential to assess the biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem. A machine learning workflow has been developed, integrating a superpixel segmentation algorithm to build a robust dataset, which is followed by a set of DL architectures to classify 10 plant classes present in kettle holes. The best architecture for this task was Xception, which achieved an average F1‐score of 85% in the segmentation of the species. The application of solely 318 samples per class enabled a successful mapping in the complex wetland environment, indicating an important direction for future health assessments in such landscapes.

Relocated beaver can increase water storage and decrease stream temperature in headwater streams

AbstractMany areas are experiencing increasing stream temperatures due to climate change, and some are experiencing reduced summer stream flows and water availability. Because dam building and pond formation by beaver can increase water storage, stream cooling, and riparian ecosystem resilience, beaver have been proposed as a potential climate adaption tool. Despite the large number of studies that have evaluated how beaver activity may affect hydrology and water temperature, few experimental studies have quantified these outcomes following beaver relocation. We evaluated changes in temperature and water storage following the relocation of 69 beaver into 13 headwater stream reaches of the Skykomish River watershed within the Snohomish River basin, Washington, USA. We evaluated how beaver dams affected surface and groundwater storage and stream temperature. Successful relocations created 243 m3of surface water storage per 100 m of stream in the first year following relocation. Dams raised water table elevations by up to 0.33 m and stored approximately 2.4 times as much groundwater as surface water per relocation reach. Stream reaches downstream of dams exhibited an average decrease of 2.3°C during summer base‐flow conditions. We also assessed how dam age, condition, maintenance frequency, and pond morphology influenced stream temperature at naturally colonized wetland complexes. Our findings demonstrate that dam building can increase water storage and reduce stream temperatures in the first year following successful beaver relocation. Fluvial and floodplain morphology of candidate reaches for relocation is an important consideration because it determines the type and magnitude of response. Relocation to reaches with existing small, abandoned ponds may address thermal criteria by conversion from warming to cooling reaches, whereas relocation within large, abandoned complexes or vacant habitat may result in greater water storage. Although beaver relocation can be an effective climate adaptation strategy to retain more stable hydrologic regimes and water quality in our study area, there appear to be regionally specific environmental and geomorphic factors that influence how beaver affect water storage and temperature. More research is needed to investigate how and why these regional differences affect water storage and stream temperature response in beaver‐influenced systems.

Ethnobotanic study of medicinal plants in the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland complex (North East of Algeria)

In order to inventory the medicinal flora and preserve the phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland complex, this study was undertaken on the basis of a sample made up of 400 users of medicinal plants, the majority of whom are aged between 40 and 60 years old, married, illiterate and unemployed or farmers. The analysis of the questionnaires allowed the census of 102 species with a clear predominance of Myrtus communis L. (158 citations), the results obtained have shown that the most used part of the plant is the leaf (58.25%). In addition, the decoction is the most used preparation method (52.28%). As for the diseases treated, gastrointestinal disorders dominate with the use of 59 species. Finally, the calculation of some ethnobotanical parameters allowed us to observe the wide use of Pistacia lentiscus L. (UV = 1.15), the specificity of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. to treat respiratory diseases (FL = 100%) and thus the consensus of users with respect to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (ICF = 0.91).

Transformed Wetlands and Urban Resilience: a Case Study From Bellanwila – Attidiya Wetland Sanctuary, Sri Lanka

Urbanization is a major issue that threatens natural habitats. However, carefully planned anthropogenic activities give the opportunity to transform urban natural habitats to offer new services to cities. In this study, we assessed the impact of land-use conversions on the spatial status of Bellanwila - Attidiya wetland sanctuary in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. The Bellanwila - Attidiya wetland provides many ecosystem services but is highly vulnerable to the rapid land use and land cover changes that comes with urbanization. Multi-temporal remote sensing images were analyzed for the years 2005, 2009, and 2015 to study the changes in land use/land cover features of the wetland. The social perception of the ecosystem services was assessed by conducting semi-structured interviews with the residents. During the study period, parts of the wetland had been transformed into residential areas (10.1%) and open water systems (8.6%). Urban expansion and the construction of a storm water management system were found to be the main causes for these changes. The community perception revealed that the wetland has deteriorated, and that the ecosystem services had been altered due to the land use/land cover changes. The anthropogenic transformation of part of the wetland into a flood retention area and the addition of infrastructure for recreational purposes have added value to the wetland complex and therefore opportunities for new ecosystem services have emerged. Our findings shed light on the need for inclusive urban planning mainstreaming community perceptions. It also highlights the benefits of transforming urban spaces into anthropogenic landscapes that blends with nature to offer ecosystem services and enhance community resilience.

Magical Realism for Water Governance Under Power Asymmetries in the Aracataca River Basin, Colombia

The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta is a wetland complex characterized by its high productivity and different systems of biodiversity use associated with water. The Ciénaga receives fresh water from rivers descending from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Changes in the water dynamics of these rivers since the early twentieth century have been causing serious social and ecological changes in the region. The Aracataca river is one of these rivers that showed a drastic change in its water availability. In this research we study the relation between cooperation and hydrological dynamics that shapes the water governance system in this basin. The study combines quantitative data obtained from the hydrological description and qualitative information derived from interviews and a role-playing game workshop, which was analyzed from a social-ecological perspective. The analysis shows that the historical management of water, characterized by conflicts between individual and collective interests, power asymmetries, and the heterogeneity between actors, has established a problematic scenario. Our analysis at river basin scale showed difficulties in water governance regardless of water annual variability, thus requiring structural changes that allow the development of coordinated processes toward collective action. This research identifies elements that can enrich the management discourses of the Aracataca river basin and the Ciénaga as a whole, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental issues as problems of common pool resources.

Seasonal abundance of waterfowl for hunting in the southern portion of the Malaga wetland, Durango, Mexico

Objective: To estimate the composition and winter abundance of waterfowl for hunting in a Wildlife Conservation Management Unit (UMA), within the Malaga wetlands complex, Durango, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the winter of 2019, waterfowl for hunting were identified and quantified in an UMA of the Malaga wetlands complex, Durango, Mexico. The birds were counted with the point count methodology in five repetitions, in order to estimate their specific richness and abundance in each one. These variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 21,620 birds from 18 species were registered. The most frequent families were the Anatidae, Rallidae, and Gruidae. Anser albifrons, A. caerulescens, and Anas crecca were the most abundant species. This abundance increased according to the number of tests. Therefore, the highest proportion of birds was recorded in the last sampling (p < 0.05). Study Limitations/Implications: This study provides baseline demographic information for this group of birds that inhabits the Durango wetlands. However, long-term monitoring is necessary to determine the demographic dynamics of these species. Findings/Conclusions: The study site is diverse and important for the waterfowl for hunting that spend the winter in Durango, Mexico

Land Protection Partnership in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, New York, USA

Conserving critical wildlife habitat at a regional scale can be challenging, especially when the region hosts a range of land uses, jurisdictions, and competing interests. Abundant opportunities exist for cooperation when vested conservation entities find common ground to use their unique strengths in a cooperative effort to protect and restore wetlands for wildlife and people. We present the Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC) Land Protection Partnership as a case study of regional conservation collaboration aimed at identifying areas in greatest need of wetland protection and restoration to support wetland wildlife and provide wildlife-based recreation. The MWC is among the most important wetland complexes in the Atlantic flyway of eastern North America for migratory birds because it provides critical migratory stopover habitat for millions of birds and regionally unique habitats for breeding birds and resident wildlife, including numerous endangered and threatened (E&T) species. This case study demonstrates how state, federal, and nonprofit entities with differing goals and objectives can partner to protect and restore critical wetland habitat for wildlife. Partners optimized efforts by developing an online survey that included physical, land cover, biological, and people/use attributes which were ranked by each partner to determine common priorities and applied these into a spatial mapping, decision-support tool. Within attribute categories, land protection (physical), emergent marshes (land use), E&T (biological), and recreational areas (people/use) were highest ranked by partners. The decision-support tool provided an objective method of ranking parcels of land for public outreach efforts by the partners to protect and restore wetland wildlife habitat.

On the Occurrence of the Khorat Snail-Eating Turtle (Malayemys khoratensis) in Lao People's Democratic Republic with Notes on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Exploitation

The Khorat snail-eating turtle (Malayemys khoratensis) is a recently described (2016), poorly studied freshwater turtle known from the Khorat Plateau in Thailand and a small area near Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic. We investigated the occurrence and natural history of M. khoratensis during field surveys of Xe Champhone Ramsar Site (XCRS) and Nong Louang Wetland Complex (NLWC) in Savannakhet Province, and also examined museum specimens and published and unpublished photographs of Malayemys spp. from Lao. Our field surveys confirmed the occurrence of M. khoratensis in the XCRS and NLWC, where populations remain subject to harvest at levels unlikely to be sustainable. We examined 7 museum specimens from Vientiane, Savannakhet, Khammouan, and Champasak provinces. Museum specimens from Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Khammouan provinces were referable to M. khoratensis. Published photographs confirm the occurrence of M. khoratensis in Vientiane Province, and Malayemys subtrijuga in Champasak Province. Collectively, our records extend the geographic distribution of K. khoratensis by > 300 km from previously reported localities. We posit the existence of a biogeographic barrier in southern Lao and adjacent Thailand that separates the allopatrically occurring M. khoratensis and M. subtrijuga.