Population Dynamics of Wintering Waterbirds in Poyang Lake
Author of the article:CUI Peng1, XIA Shaoxia2, LIU Guanhua3, WU Jiandong3, ZENG Nanjing3, WU Xudong3, WEN Sibiao3, LUO She
Author's Workplace：(1. Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Networks Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Science and Nature Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; 3. Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve, Nanchang 330038, China; 4. Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China)
Key Words：Poyang Lake; wintering; waterbirds; diversity; abundance
Abstract：Poyang Lake is an important wintering site for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australian Flyway. To further understand the population dynamics of wintering waterbirds at Poyang Lake, comprehensive investigation were conducted in three lakes, Dahuchi, Shahu and Meixihu in Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve. Surveys were conducted in the winter of 2005~2007 (from October to next April). 53 species which belong to 13 families and 7 orders were recorded, with at least 9 species and at most 31 species in one survey day. Substantial numbers of waterfowl were first seen at mid October and then sharply increased at early November. Peak numbers occurred at early and mid December. Then the number of waterbirds decreased from February, with less than 1% of total count birds staying in monitoring region at early April. The spatial distribution dynamics of wintering waterbirds were suggested to be studied in the future. Additionally, the effects of water level changes to the waterbird population and the relationship between climate factors and migration chronology of wintering waterbirds at Poyang Lake is advised to set as the research priority.