Spatiotemporal Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of Shorebirds in the Coastal Wetlands of Dalian, Liaoning, China

Hao Luo (), Qing Li, Yang Yu, Jing Kang, Wei Lei and Demin Zhang
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Hao Luo: National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
Qing Li: National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
Yang Yu: National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
Jing Kang: National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
Wei Lei: National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
Demin Zhang: School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-21

Abstract: The coast of Dalian in Liaoning Province, China, is one of the most important habitats for migratory shorebirds along the East Asia–Australasian Flyway. However, the coastal areas of Dalian have been modified extensively by various projects, including reclamation and the construction of aquaculture and port facilities, embankment buildings, cross-sea passages, and wind farms, which have led to significant damage to the coastal habitats of shorebirds. Assessing the spatiotemporal distribution and habitat characteristics of shorebirds is of great importance to biodiversity conservation. The present study involved a 15-month-long survey of shorebirds in nine coastal wetlands of Dalian from August 2021 to October 2022. In total, 31 species of shorebirds, belonging to five families, were recorded. Migratory shorebirds were the most frequently observed, accounting for 77% of the recorded shorebirds. Dunlin ( Calidris alpina ), Kentish plover ( Charadrius alexandrinus ), Eurasian curlew ( Numenius arquata ), and Far Eastern curlew ( Numenius madagascariensis ) were the most abundant species. Both species richness and species abundance peaked in May and again in September. The Zhuanghe Estuary boasted the highest species diversity, while the Huli Estuary wetland exhibited the greatest species abundance. The type of habitat and the spatial extent of natural wetlands were the main variables influencing the spatial distribution of waterbirds. By identifying the population characteristics and habitat status of shorebirds in Dalian, the results provide support for shorebird conservation and habitat management.

Keywords: shorebirds; spatiotemporal distribution; migration; coastal wetland; habitat; Dalian (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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