Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"Turnover and connectivity as drivers of mammalian persistence in highly fragmented landscapes","authors":"Mayara Guimarães Beltrão ,&nbsp;Maria Luisa S.P. Jorge ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Carmignotto ,&nbsp;Luís Fábio Silveira ,&nbsp;Mauro Galetti","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03283","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03283","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC) stands as the Brazilian Atlantic Forest region with the most pronounced history of deforestation and forest fragmentation, attributed to early European colonization and agricultural settlement. As a result, PEC is known as the global tropical forest experiencing both the highest fragmentation levels and extinction rates. The extent of biodiversity loss and the factors associated with biodiversity persistence at PEC remain a knowledge gap. To address this gap, we evaluated how forest cover, fragmentation and other landscape features are related to the mammal’s persistence. Using baited camera traps, we sampled 21 landscapes dominated by hostile matrices in Alagoas. We examined the relationship between species composition, richness, abundance, and beta-diversity and seven predictors through Generalized Linear Models and Multiple Regressions on Distance Matrices. Our findings revealed the presence of 21 native mammals in the study area, representing nearly 78 % of the diversity expected for the PEC. Nevertheless, we also found a high proportion of species loss within each landscape (from 43 % to 76 %), and high levels of species turnover between landscapes. Considering landscapes metrics, mammals exhibited more pronounced responses to habitat fragmentation in contrast to habitat loss or other anthropogenic factors. We identified a positive relationship between connectivity and richness, while the number of patches negatively affected the abundance. Our results underscore the critical role of habitat connectivity in highly deforested and fragmented regions, where it becomes more important than forest cover. The pronounced species turnover is key in upholding regional diversity and is crucial to species persistence in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03283"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142699068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coupling of leaf economic and hydraulic strategy spectra facilitates desert restoration: A 70-year chronosequence study of Korshinks peashrub (Caragana korshinskii)","authors":"Jun Yang ,&nbsp;Xiaowei Li ,&nbsp;Junlong Yang ,&nbsp;Shuang Yu ,&nbsp;Hongmei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vegetation restoration is a pivotal component in the restoration and management of desert. But shifts in the ecological strategies of established plant species, and how that may impact desert restoration, are both largely unknown. Here, we studied changes to the leaf economic strategy spectra (ESS), hydraulic strategy spectra (HSS) and soil strategy spectra (SSS) of the legume <em>Caragana korshinskii</em> in 3-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-year restoration in Baijitan area of the MuUs desert, and investigated the relationship of these spectrums for enhancing desert restoration. The results showed that, over the years, both spectra changed significantly. The economic strategy of this plant shifted from a ‘fast investment-return’ to a more conservative ‘slow investment-return’ strategy. Concurrently, its hydraulic strategy transitioned from an isohydric to an anisohydric behavior. Along the restoration chronosequence, the resource acquisition strategy spectra declined in its effect and importance while the carbon investment in leaf construction increased. In this way, the drought tolerance and embolic resistance of plants were enhanced over time. We identify a coupling relationship between the economic and hydraulic strategy spectra. Furthermore, changed in the ESS and HSS influence the SSS over restoration years, ultimately favoring ecological restoration. This research provides foundational data for optimizing the cultivation management of <em>Caragana korshinskii</em> in terms of restoration years, enhancing ecosystem stability and productivity, and protecting and restoring the ecological environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03291"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction of environmental suitability for Haematoxylum campechianum: A proposal to promote reforestation in Mexico","authors":"Anay Serrano-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Annery Serrano Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Yarelys Ferrer-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Fernando Abasolo-Pacheco ,&nbsp;Mariela Alexi Díaz Ponce ,&nbsp;Norma María Guerrero Chuez ,&nbsp;Pedro Harrys Lozano Mendoza ,&nbsp;Alexis Herminio Plasencia-Vázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Models of potential distribution and ecological niche allow to estimate priority areas for the management of species of interest, as well as to identify variables related to environmental suitability and predict the behavior of species in the face of anthropogenic disturbances. Logwood (<em>Haematoxylum campechianum</em>) is a species that we consider a natural heritage in southeastern Mexico because of its ecological role and the current and historical use of its wood. This species is present in different vegetation types and even dominates in some ecosystems called \"tintales\", which have been exploited for dye extraction in past centuries. This, combined with changes in land use for livestock, agriculture, and other anthropogenic activities, has affected the Logwood´s distribution and connectivity of its populations. We modeled the potential distribution of <em>H. campechianum</em> and evaluated the feasibility of reforestation with this species in southeastern Mexico. For this purpose, we included 638 occurrence points and used the MaxEnt algorithm for modeling, analyzing different parameters. We used the potential distribution model, accessibility to the areas and water availability to calculate a feasibility index for reforestation. The environmental suitability for the species is more present in southeastern Mexico, conditioned by the aridity index, the minimum temperature of the coldest month and the maximum temperature of the warmest month. The greatest percentage of areas with high feasibility indexes for reforestation are found in Campeche, apparently a key state for the conservation and management of the species. This study can be the starting point for implementing reforestation programs with <em>H. campechianum</em> and can be used as an example to apply to other species with patrimonial value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03293"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent responses of carbon fluxes to elevated temperature and precipitation: A meta-analysis in North Hemisphere grassland ecosystems","authors":"Weikang Zhang ,&nbsp;Shan Cong ,&nbsp;Zhaogang Liu ,&nbsp;Ming Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhaoxia Jiang ,&nbsp;Congcong Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The manipulation experiments involving increased precipitation and elevated temperature have elucidated a series of responses to the carbon fluxes (gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and net ecosystem productivity (NEP)) in grassland ecosystems. It is still unclear how the duration, magnitude or local climate conditions of these manipulation experiments can affect the response of GEP, ER, and NEP. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis using data from 50 published studies that manipulated precipitation or temperature, while measuring GEP, ER, and NEP in North Hemisphere grassland ecosystems. The results showed that increased precipitation significantly increased the GEP and ER of grassland ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, with an average increase of 9.8 % and 12.5 %, respectively. In contrast to increased precipitation, warming did not have a significant effect on GEP and ER. Meantime, there was no significant response of the NEP to both elevated temperature and increased precipitation. Furthermore, we found that the responses of carbon fluxes in North Hemisphere grassland ecosystems were associated with the magnitude and duration of increased precipitation, as well as to local temperature and precipitation changes induced by increased precipitation and elevated temperature. GEP was positively correlated with the local temperature under warming and increased precipitation. These findings emphasize the divergent response of carbon fluxes to climate factors change such as temperature and precipitation in North Hemisphere grassland ecosystems, which helps us better protect grasslands and predict ecosystem functions in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03289"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stopover habitat use of coastal Pied Avocet revealed by satellite tracking and remote sensing technology","authors":"Dong Li ,&nbsp;Kai Liu ,&nbsp;Yingxu Gao ,&nbsp;Yang Wu ,&nbsp;Xiyong Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stopover sites identification for migratory waterbirds is important in China’s coastal wetlands, which have experienced a massive loss of natural wetlands in recent decades. Taking the Pied Avocet (<em>Recurvirostra avosetta</em>), a common waterbird in China’s coastal zone as an example, our research focused on their stopover habitat use based on satellite tracking and remote sensing technology. Along the coast, a total of 6 critical stopover sites, duration of stay more than 14 days, were recognized during their 2022–2023 autumn and spring migrations of the 4 tagged individuals. The results showed that Pied Avocets used habitats close to the coastline and water source, at low elevation, and with sparse vegetation. They also had a certain tolerance for human interference. From the perspective of the land use and land cover type, the proportion (33.01 %) of artificial wetlands including paddy, salt pan, and mariculture has exceeded that (27.97 %) of natural wetlands such as bottomland, tidal flat, estuarine waters, and shallow water in the home ranges of the 6 stopover areas. The study emphasized that the habitat function of artificial wetland should be paid enough attention to while maintaining the natural wetland without further loss. In addition, habitat-oriented management suggestions were put forward for artificial wetlands. This study can provide data and technical support for the conservation and management of waterbirds stopovers, also having reference value for other species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03290"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecological analysis and multi-scenario simulation of Yellow River Delta wetland under clearing of Spartina alterniflora","authors":"Zhiyong Wang ,&nbsp;Zhenjin Li ,&nbsp;Xiaotong Liu ,&nbsp;Haoran Song ,&nbsp;Shunwei Liu ,&nbsp;Jintao Qi ,&nbsp;Fang Jing ,&nbsp;Zhenhai Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03287","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03287","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2022, China released the Special Action Plan for the Control of <em>Spartina alterniflora</em> (2022–2025) with the goal of completely clearing <em>S. alterniflora</em> from China's coastal wetlands. It is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of wetlands under artificial intervention and obtain reliable future wetland simulation results. The Yellow River Delta wetland is one of China's important wetland reserves, has faced severe impacts from <em>S. alterniflora</em> invasion over the past decade. This study focuses on the Yellow River Delta wetland, utilizing Landsat imagery and a combined object-oriented and pixel-based approach to achieve wetland mapping from 2013 to 2023. Through wetland analysis, we designed scenarios for natural development, ecological priority, farmland protection, and combined development. The patch generating land use simulation model was used to simulate wetland scenarios for 2030 and analyze factors influencing wetland use cover change and future conversion patterns. The results indicate that between 2013 and 2022, native vegetation was impacted by the invasion of <em>S. alterniflora</em>, with <em>Suaeda glauca</em> being the most affected. In 2023, the removal of <em>S. alterniflora</em> was effective, reducing its area by 42.37 km² compared to pre-removal conditions. In all three scenarios, the area of <em>Phragmites australis</em> increased and is expected to dominate the wetlands, while the live space of other native salt marsh vegetation has also been restored. However, the predictions indicate that <em>S. alterniflora</em> still poses a potential threat of expansion in the future, necessitating continuous monitoring of its dynamics. We recommend implementing zoned management of the wetland, balancing ecological restoration in coastal areas with agricultural development in the western regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03287"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of juniper removal on shrubs and understory vegetation and its implications for sagebrush dependent vertebrate herbivores","authors":"Kimberly A. Haab ,&nbsp;Christian A. Hagen ,&nbsp;Bryan A. Endress ,&nbsp;Kate H. Yates ,&nbsp;Timothy S. Bowden","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The expansion of trees into previously grass- and shrub- dominated ecosystems is a global phenomenon threatening ecosystem integrity and function in encroached systems, including the North American sagebrush biome. This ecosystem is currently in peril, threatened in part by juniper (<em>Juniperus</em> sp.) encroachment. Sagebrush (<em>Artemisia</em> sp.) ecosystems contain a diversity of forage, including grasses, forbs, and shrubs, that serve as a key food source for vertebrate herbivores. Removal of encroached juniper has been used by land managers as a widespread restoration technique in sagebrush ecosystems, however, the long-term impact of this restoration action on shrubs and understory vegetation has not been thoroughly examined in the context of sagebrush dependent vertebrate herbivores. In 2020 and 2021, we studied shrub and understory vegetation response to juniper treatment in the sagebrush of northern Nevada and northeastern California. Juniper treatments completed between 2008 and 2020 were surveyed and sampled to assess the impact of this restoration action on grasses, forbs, and shrubs over time. Forage biomass was higher in old treatments than untreated reference sites, which was a trend that persisted across all vegetation functional groups. Differences in plant cover were slight or had inconsistent nonlinear trends between reference sites and treatments. Forage from treated sites had higher crude protein levels than forage from untreated sites, although the nutritional difference was slight. Our results suggest that juniper treatments that increase forage quantity and improve forage quality may benefit sagebrush dependent wildlife or domestic livestock in conifer-encroached ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03285"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Are they even there? How agri-environment schemes investments reach their target species in Dutch dairy-farmland, the case of meadow birds","authors":"Luis Barba-Escoto ,&nbsp;Ruth A. Howison ,&nbsp;Rienk W. Fokkema ,&nbsp;Jean-Yves Duriaux-Chavarría ,&nbsp;Marie Stessens ,&nbsp;Egbert van der Velde ,&nbsp;Jos C.E.W. Hooijmeijer ,&nbsp;Theunis Piersma ,&nbsp;Pablo A. Tittonell","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agri-environmental schemes (AES) implemented by farmer collectives for meadow bird protection in The Netherlands create complex landscape mosaics due to the variability of options and combinations farmers use. We propose a method to simplify this complexity, using the number of meadow birds potentially benefiting as the measure of success, and evaluate how AES combinations affect management success as a function of monetary investments. Between 2016 and 2022, we conducted field surveys to measure the density and distribution of Black-tailed Godwits across three land-use types: AES, site-protected areas, and intensive agriculture. AES fields were categorized into nest protection, inundation, delayed mowing, and herb-rich grasslands. We analysed the relationship between these managements, the area they cover, and godwit numbers, while also examining land area and subsidies. Intensive agriculture covered 74.3 % of the area but hosted only 23.2 % of the godwit population at low densities (0.063 godwits/ha). In contrast, protected areas (6.2 % of the area) and AES fields (19.5 %) supported 24.7 % and 52.1 % of the population at higher densities (0.48 and 0.46 godwits/ha, respectively). Among AES types, delayed mowing and herb-rich grasslands showed the highest godwit densities (0.66 and 1.25 godwits/ha, respectively) covering smaller areas (6 % and 1.1 %). These AES types pay the highest subsidies, while nest protection, covering 10.5 % of the area with lower godwit densities, pays the lowest. Although AES fields hosted about half of the godwit population, area-wise the focus remained on nest protection, and with intensive agriculture dominated the landscape. This may limit effectiveness at a population level, calling for re-evaluating conservation priorities and funding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03286"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patterns of spatial dynamics and distribution of african elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana","authors":"Keoikantse Sianga ,&nbsp;Shimane. W. Makhabu ,&nbsp;Victor. K. Muposhi ,&nbsp;Mpho Setlalekgomo ,&nbsp;Tebogo Selebatso ,&nbsp;Albertinah Matsika ,&nbsp;Kelebogile Selala ,&nbsp;Amo. O. Barungwi ,&nbsp;Emang Molojwane ,&nbsp;Boipuso Legwatagwata ,&nbsp;Maitumelo Losologolo ,&nbsp;Oreemetse Dingake ,&nbsp;Comfort Nkgowe","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The African elephant (<em>Loxodonta africana</em>), once thought to be absent from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, has recently reestablished or expanded its range into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Botswana, with documented occurrences over the past decade. This study explores the temporal and spatial dynamics of elephants in and around the CKGR, focusing on their largely understudied movement patterns. Movement and home range data was obtained from two adult female and eight adult male elephants using GPS/UHF collars. The analysis revealed distinct seasonal ranging behaviours. Collared females migrated between CKGR and the Okavango Delta periphery, while collared male showed both migratory and sedentary patterns around artificial water points and Gope mine in CKGR. Some collared male elephants migrated to the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) during the wet season, returning to the CKGR in the dry season. This pattern confirms established migration routes and the emergence of pseudo-resident male elephants within CKGR. These findings highlight the importance of management strategies that integrate water distribution, elephant movement, and human-elephant conflicts. Ensuring ecological connectivity beyond the KAZA region is vital for the long-term survival of elephants and other key species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03284"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142660604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Priority areas for wintering waterbirds and the need to remove Spartina along Zhejiang coast","authors":"Hongdi Gao ,&nbsp;Jinhui Wang ,&nbsp;Feng Chen ,&nbsp;Sheng Chen ,&nbsp;Zhenxian Zhu ,&nbsp;Ke He ,&nbsp;Baoquan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03279","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03279","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is home to over 50 million migratory waterbirds, of which 32 are globally threatened and 19 are near-threatened. These migratory waterbirds rely on productive coastal wetlands to rest and feed, allowing them to replenish their energy reserves for their next leg of migration. The Zhejiang coast, an important wintering and stopover site for migratory waterbirds in the EAAF, has undergone marked changes in recent decades, including alterations to its habitat owing to reclamation activities. The temporal and spatial dynamics and community diversity of waterbirds in this coastal area as well as the places that require increased attention for protection remain poorly understood. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to elucidate the diversity and community structure of waterbirds in diverse coastal wetlands within Zhejiang. Based on synchronous survey data collected during the wintering period from 2022 to 2024 in Zhejiang, the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of four groups of waterbirds (dabbling birds, diving birds, large waders, and small waders) across 10 main coastal wetlands in Zhejiang were assessed. The results showed an increased abundance of dabbling birds, and small waders experienced a significant decrease in recent years. As integral components of the EAAF, three regions (Hangzhou Bay, Wenzhou region, and Xuanmen-Yueqing Bay) within Zhejiang should be considered high priority because of the three criteria of critical international wetlands, the irreplaceability index, and the critical position within the community structure. An analysis of community structures revealed that environmental factors were crucial in shaping dabbling birds and large wader communities. These findings were supported by constrained principal coordinate analysis, which suggested that the percentage of the cordgrass <em>Spartina alterniflora</em> is a factor influencing these phenomena. The geographic location and percentage of <em>S. alterniflora</em> might have contributed to these differences. These results were consistent with the <em>S. alterniflora</em> removal work by the government. Overall, these findings have important implications for policy-making decisions regarding species conservation efforts along the East-South China coast. Effective measures should be implemented to restore vegetation in tidal wetlands along the coast to provide suitable habitats for different groups of waterbirds. Further development and utilization, including the economic exploitation and management of these crucial coastal wetlands, as well as the management of wetland vegetation, should be approached with greater caution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article e03279"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142578994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}