Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment ›› 2018, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (5): 419-425.doi: 10.11934/j.issn.1673-4831.2018.05.005

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Dynamics and Influencing Factors of Waterfowl in Winter in Lashihai Wetland of Yunnan During 2013-2016

HU Xiao-yan1, LI Zhi-hong2, LI Lu-yun2, LI Hai-ping1, WU Jian1   

  1. 1. School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China;
    2. Administration Bureau of Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve of Lijiang, Lijiang 674107, China
  • Received:2017-11-30 Online:2018-05-25 Published:2018-05-25

Abstract:

Lashihai, a RAMSAR wetland, is a famous plateau lake and wintering place for migratory birds in the northwest of Yunnan Province. In order to understand the changes of waterfowl and their habitat in Lashihai wetland, the line-transect survey had been conducted during the winter season (November to March) of 2013, 2014 and 2016. The results show that a total of 45 species of waterfowl, belonging to 15 families 11 orders, were recorded in winter, in which 9 species were resident and 36 were migratory birds. The population of Rallidae in Gruiformes is the largest, accounted for 90.08% of all. The maximum population of waterfowl recorded on a single-day was over 130 000. Among them, one species was the national first-grade protected bird and four species were the national second-grade protected bird. The Fulica atra was dominant species, and Gallinula chloropus, Anser anser and Anas strepera were common species. Both the annual average population and species number of waterfowl in Lashihai wetland were increased over years, and the variance-analysis show that the change of species number among years was significant (P<0.001). The population and species number of waterfowl both reached the peak in February; the monthly mean diversity index H was increasing month by month. The factors potentially influencing waterfowl of Lashihai include the decrease of feeding sites and the increase of tourism activities. Up to now, the tourism projects and routes have not directly threatened the waterfowl. In conclusion, the quality of waterfowl's habitats in Lashihai has been maintained, but the conservation of major protected species needs more attention and research. Suggestions for waterfowl monitoring and habitats protection in Lashihai have been put forward, which would also provide reference for waterfowl conservation in other areas.

Key words: Lashihai, waterfowl, wintering, influencing factor

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