Comprehensive habitat building method for waterfowl in coastal wetland of Binjiang
By conducting detailed research and employing comprehensive methods to create suitable riverside and coastal wetland habitats, the problems of poor adaptability and insufficient monitoring in existing technologies have been solved, achieving efficient protection of waterbird habitats and ecological balance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511250111.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies lack regional surveys and needs analysis for the construction of waterbird habitats in riverside and coastal wetlands, resulting in poor adaptability. They also fail to systematically integrate hydrological connectivity, terrain shaping, and other methods, and lack a long-term monitoring system, which affects the lifespan of the project and its conservation effectiveness.
Through detailed research and analysis of wetland topography, water bodies, and flora and fauna resources, target species were selected, and suitable habitats were created by applying hydrological connectivity, topographic shaping, vegetation regulation, and ecological isolation methods. A long-term monitoring system and protection mechanism were also established to reduce noise and human interference and meet the needs of waterbirds.
It improved the suitability and ecological function of waterbird habitats, extended the lifespan of the project, enhanced the stability and health of wetland ecosystems, met the survival and breeding needs of waterbirds, and achieved a harmonious unity between protection and observation.
Smart Images
Figure CN121010488A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the fields of ecological engineering and wetland restoration technology, and in particular to a method for the comprehensive creation of habitats for waterbirds in riverside and coastal wetlands. Background Technology
[0002] Wetlands, as unique transitional ecosystems between water and land, play a crucial role in regulating climate, conserving water resources, and maintaining biodiversity. However, due to urbanization and climate change, global wetlands are facing problems such as shrinking area and fragmentation of waterbird habitats. Among them, riverside and coastal wetlands, located at the confluence of fresh and salt water and affected by both tides and rivers, have significant ecological functions and are closely connected with humans, making them particularly vulnerable to impact.
[0003] Habitats need to meet the needs of waterbirds for foraging, avoiding predators, and breeding. Different waterbird populations and different life stages of the same population have different preferences for water depth, substrate, and vegetation coverage. This requires habitat creation to be precise and diversified.
[0004] In recent years, some coastal cities in my country have carried out wetland ecological restoration and waterbird habitat creation projects and achieved results, as illustrated by Chinese patent publications CN107459138, CN116762618, and CN115443856. These achievements have enriched relevant theories and practices and accumulated experience for subsequent projects. However, through the above analysis combined with literature review, it can be found that existing technologies still have some shortcomings: 1. The lack of surveys and needs analysis of existing bird species in the region led to a discrepancy between the engineering results and the actual needs of waterbirds, resulting in poor adaptability of the methods for wider application. 2. The five types of construction methods, including hydrological connectivity and terrain shaping, were not systematically integrated, and ecological isolation was often overlooked, which affected the lifespan of the project; 3. There is a lack of a long-term monitoring system and a lack of guiding management and targeted maintenance methods. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a comprehensive habitat creation method that improves the quality and adaptability of habitat construction, extends the life of the project, and provides effective technical support for waterbird protection.
[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a method for the comprehensive creation of habitats for waterbirds in riverside and coastal wetlands, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Conduct a detailed survey and analysis of the topography, water bodies, and flora and fauna resources within the selected riverside and coastal wetland area; Step S2: Based on the results of the preliminary survey, select representative waterbird species that are of great significance to global biodiversity conservation as target species for demand analysis, and select suitable terrain within the scope for modification; Step S3: Based on demand analysis and topographic conditions, a variety of technical means, including hydrological connectivity, topographic shaping, vegetation regulation, and food enhancement, are comprehensively applied to create suitable habitats for the target species to live and reproduce, including but not limited to open water surfaces, shallow marshes, gentle slope marshes, mudflats, and habitat islands. Step S4: Combine plants or ecological materials to construct an ecological buffer zone to reduce noise and human activity disturbance to the habitat, specifically including bio-fences and plant buffer zones; at the same time, to meet the needs of bird observation, concealed birdwatching houses can be set up in the plant buffer zone based on the principle of low disturbance. Step S5: Establish a long-term monitoring system to dynamically monitor wetland resources and their utilization, regularly investigate, monitor and assess the ecological status of wetlands, and compile relevant monitoring data; Step S6: Improve the habitat protection system, adopt guided management and targeted maintenance, and maintain the ecological function of established habitats over a longer period of time. To effectively protect habitats, the measures taken include: increasing buffer zones, regulating beachcombing activities in protected areas, setting up warning facilities to regulate tourists and prevent pedestrians from disturbing waterbirds, setting up security and monitoring systems, and cracking down on poaching.
[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, in step S1, the survey and analysis includes: Step S11: Collect multiple data within the area, including images, topographic maps, land use types, water area, and water depth, using a variety of technologies, including remote sensing, drone aerial photography, and topographic mapping. Step S12: Using multiple technologies including remote sensing, drone aerial photography, and topographic mapping, count the types and quantities of plants within the area, and collect information on vegetation type, area, and spatial distribution. Step S13: Once a month, count the species and number of birds within the area, and determine the protection level of the counted birds. This should be done simultaneously one hour before and after the high tide, using a combination of transects and sampling points. Step S14: Count the species and quantity of benthic organisms in different wetland habitats, including but not limited to the bottom of various open waters, reed communities, short-leaved sedge communities, sea sedge communities, and bare beaches.
[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that step S2 specifically includes: Step S21: Select target species by combining the size and conservation level of each bird population within the area, and taking into account the current status and future development of the site, with a focus on cornerstone species, focal species, threatened species, key species and flagship species. Step S22: Based on the life history survey of the target species, the target species are divided into waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, landfowl, and climbing birds, and habitat demand analysis is conducted for each of them, with a focus on the vegetation preferences, environmental preferences, and foraging preferences of the target species. Step S23: Conduct an adaptability assessment of bird habitats within the Binjiang and coastal wetland area. By assessing the area's elevation, slope, aspect, distance to water sources, and the degree of threat posed by surrounding land use to habitat quality, select suitable habitat patches for modification. Based on the habits of the target species, different types of habitats are delineated by adjusting the slope of the revetment, water depth, and vegetation, including gentle slope marshes, mudflats, reed marshes, and habitat islands. The area of each type of habitat should be adapted to the population size of the target species.
[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, in step S3, the manufacturing means include: Step S31: Hydrological Connection: Following the characteristics of the site, tidal ditches and fishpond ditches are used as mediums for water diversion and drainage. By repairing, renovating or building new sluice gates and culverts, the amount of water entering and leaving the area is controlled, thereby breaking down the barriers of sea dikes and pond embankments, reshaping the water network inside and outside the wetland, and creating an open water surface in the area. Step S32: Terrain Shaping: By excavating the lakebed, the excavated soil is piled up to form islands or used to construct strip-shaped submerged embankments. By adjusting the slope of the revetment and the water depth in the area, habitats including shallow marshes, gentle slope marshes, mudflats, and habitat islands are shaped, while ensuring the internal soil balance. Step S33: Vegetation regulation: Based on the different functional zones and habitat creation, the plants in the area are screened to remove invasive species and select plants that are adapted to the reproduction, hiding or foraging needs of the target species. Step S34: Food chain creation: Based on the size of the bird population, release suitable fish, shrimp, crab and shellfish larvae into the habitat and surrounding waters, or introduce aquatic organisms from external waters through double-layer sluice gates, and provide stable foraging grounds for birds by creating suitable habitats for fish and benthic animals to breed, and promote the formation of a stable wetland ecosystem.
[0010] A preferred technical solution of the present invention is that, in step S4, the bio-fence is made of Casuarina equisetifolia, which is densely planted in the area with a gentle slope around the wetland; the plant buffer zone is located between the bio-fence and the wetland, and can also be set in the area with a steep slope where it is inconvenient to set up a bio-fence. The plant buffer zone includes Acacia confusa, Melia azedarach, Casuarina equisetifolia and Sapium sebiferum.
[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, in step S5, wetland dynamic monitoring includes waterbird population monitoring and wetland meteorological monitoring, and the specific monitoring steps include: Step S51: Conduct periodic surveys of waterbird populations in the region, and collect data on bird species and numbers. The interval can be one month or less. The surveys mainly target existing rare birds in wetlands discovered in the previous surveys, the target species selected in Step S21, and newly added species. The survey method combines transects and sampling points. Step S52: Select an area in the wetland where the dominant species are concentrated and install one or more integrated meteorological stations to monitor the actual meteorological data of the wetland, including air temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed at different altitudes, soil temperature at different depths, photosynthetically active radiation, illuminance, rainfall and evaporation. The data are recorded every 15 minutes.
[0012] The preferred technical solution of the present invention is that, in step S11, the remote sensing and image data mainly rely on Gaofen-2 images provided by information centers in various regions. After registration, correction, and projection conversion preprocessing, image fusion comparison is performed, and the fusion method that best preserves the original spectral features is selected for fusion generation. The data is supplemented by on-site drone photography and Tianditu network data to complete the regional image and topographic elevation. Subsequently, through visual or machine learning-based computer classification, the land use types, water area, and water depth data in the region are obtained, and then manual correction is performed through on-site investigation. In step S12, the collection of plant species and quantities is carried out by a combination of sample plots and quadrats. For each plant community type, 3 to 5 typical and representative quadrats are set up. If the plant community has multiple layers in the vertical structure, a stratified survey is carried out. In the stratified survey, the main forest layer is first determined and a main forest layer plant quadrats are carried out. Then, representative secondary forest layer quadrats are set up in the main forest layer quadrats. In step S14, the number of sampling points is determined according to the habitat ratio. At each sampling point, a soil column with an area of 25cm×25cm and a depth of 30cm is dug out, passed through a 40-mesh sieve, and benthic organisms are picked out for species identification and count.
[0013] A preferred technical solution of the present invention is that, in step S32, shallow water swamps and gentle slope swamps are created by excavating the bottom of fishponds in a pot-shaped manner, including but not limited to, and piling up slopes around the bottom. Specifically, the slope of the shallow water swamp is controlled to be <4%, and the water depth to be 0.1~0.3m; the slope of the gentle slope swamp is controlled to be <10%, and the water depth to be <1m; mudflats are created using fine sand extracted from dredged tidal channels, with a slope controlled to be <4% and a water depth to be <0.15m; and habitat islands are created by piling up islands in the gentle slope swamp or open water surface, with a slope controlled to be <4%. In step S33, plants are selected based on functional zones and habitat creation. In addition, sufficient areas are left unplanted to create bare beaches. Invasive species to be removed include, but are not limited to, Spartina alterniflora, Bidens trifoliata, and Lantana camara.
[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that, in step S34, the species is introduced according to the following steps: Step S341: Release an appropriate amount of zooplankton and benthic insects, which can be collected from the bottom mud of shallow water areas of lakes and estuaries with similar water quality to the wetlands upstream; release artificially bred mollusks, including snails, shrimps and clams, to cultivate primary consumers; Step S342: After the zooplankton and benthic animals have adapted to the environment and the aquatic plants have initially grown, gradually introduce fish and amphibians in appropriate amounts to cultivate secondary consumers; Step S343: Raise common reptiles in the free-range area to cultivate third-level consumers.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention creates a suitable habitat and breeding environment for waterbirds. Through detailed research and analysis, it accurately grasps the topography, water bodies, and flora and fauna resources of wetlands, providing a solid foundation for subsequent habitat creation. It selects target species of significant importance to global biodiversity conservation and creates diverse habitats according to their needs, meeting the requirements of different waterbirds in foraging, breeding, and avoiding predators. This effectively improves the survival and reproduction rates of waterbirds and plays a crucial role in maintaining wetland biodiversity. Simultaneously, the scientific construction of the food chain and the rational regulation of vegetation promote the stable formation and self-sustaining of the wetland ecosystem, enhance its ecological functions, and make the entire wetland ecosystem healthier and more balanced. This invention effectively reduces the impact of noise and human activities on habitats by setting up bio-fences and plant buffer zones, creating a relatively quiet and safe living space for waterbirds. The setting of secluded birdwatching houses, while meeting the needs of human observation of birds, minimizes the disturbance of observation activities to waterbirds, achieving a harmonious unity of protection and observation. It protects the normal life of waterbirds and meets the public's needs for understanding and appreciating the natural ecology. This invention ensures the long-term stability of habitats by improving the long-term monitoring system. Periodic waterbird population surveys and real-time wetland meteorological monitoring enable timely understanding of waterbird population changes and wetland ecological environment conditions, providing a basis for assessing habitat creation effectiveness, identifying problems, and taking timely measures. This facilitates dynamic management and precise protection of wetlands. At the same time, the establishment of a sound protection system effectively constrains human activities, reduces damage to wetlands, and provides institutional guarantees for the long-term existence and development of habitats. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the integrated habitat creation method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0018] A method for integrated habitat creation for waterbirds in riverside and coastal wetlands includes the following steps: Step S1: Remote sensing and image data are acquired using Gaofen-2 imagery provided by information centers in various regions. After registration, correction, and projection conversion preprocessing, image fusion and comparison are performed. The fusion method that best preserves the original spectral characteristics is selected for fusion generation. Combined with UAV aerial photography and on-site topographic mapping, data such as wetland imagery, topographic maps, land use types, water area, and water depth are obtained. A combination of plot and quadrat method is used to statistically analyze the species, quantity, type, area, and spatial distribution of plants in the wetland. 3-5 typical and representative quadrats are set up for each plant community type. If the plant community has multiple layers in its vertical structure, a stratified survey is conducted. In the stratified survey, the main forest layer is first identified, and a main forest layer plant quadrat survey is conducted. Subsequently, representative secondary forest layer quadrats are set up within the main forest layer quadrats. Monthly surveys are conducted at high tide. Within an hour, a combination of transects and sampling points was used to count the species and number of birds and to determine their protection levels. Bird species identification could refer to the "Field Guide to the Birds of China" or the "List of Birds of China" or the latest version of the bird atlas. For birds that were difficult to identify, identification could be done by taking pictures or comparing calls. Bird level determination included, but was not limited to, the level determination of national key protected birds, which could refer to the "List of National Key Protected Wild Animals", and the level determination of endangered protected animals, which could refer to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the "China Red List of Biodiversity - Vertebrates". Benthic organism sampling points were determined according to the habitat ratio. At each sampling point, a 25cm×25cm soil column with a depth of 30cm was dug and passed through a 40-mesh sieve for species identification and quantity counting of benthic organisms.
[0019] By combining Gaofen-2 remote sensing imagery, drone aerial photography, field surveys, and sample plot investigations, comprehensive basic data on wetland topography, vegetation, water bodies, and benthic organisms are simultaneously acquired, avoiding habitat perception biases caused by data fragmentation. Multiple standardization methods ensure data comparability and reusability, providing quantitative support for subsequent target species needs analysis. A high-frequency monitoring mode combining monthly high tide times (one hour before and after) and transect / sample point monitoring, along with authoritative atlases and multi-method identification, accurately grasps the species, numbers, protection levels, and activity patterns of existing birds in the region. Unlike existing technologies lacking targeted bird surveys, this approach directly identifies dominant, dependent, and threatened species in the region, preventing subsequent landscaping projects from being merely for aesthetic purposes and ensuring a precise match between engineering projects and the actual habitat habits of waterbirds. The data system combining remote sensing imagery and field surveys allows for data benchmarking of topographical differences, vegetation base differences, and bird community differences in different riverside and coastal wetlands, providing a basis for adjusting and optimizing subsequent methods in different regions and significantly improving the local adaptability of the technology.
[0020] Step S2: Based on the survey results, select cornerstone species, focal species, threatened species, key species, and flagship species as target species, analyze their life history, and classify the target species into waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, landfowl, and climbing birds. Conduct habitat demand analysis for each species to understand their preferences for habitat ecology, surrounding vegetation, and food. By assessing the regional elevation, slope, aspect, distance to water sources, and the degree of threat to habitat quality from surrounding land use, select suitable habitat patches for modification. Based on the habits of the target species, adjust the revetment slope, water depth, and vegetation to divide different types of habitats such as gentle slope marshes, mudflats, reed marshes, and habitat islands, with the area of each type of habitat adapted to the population size of the target species.
[0021] The target species are classified into waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, landfowl, and climbing birds. Targeted analyses are conducted on their shallow water environment preferences, fish / shrimp / benthic organism feeding habits, and vegetation hiding needs. This avoids a one-size-fits-all approach to creating a single wetland type. For example, different habitats can be planned simultaneously to meet the shallow foraging needs of wading birds (such as shorebirds) and the open water needs of waterfowl (such as ducks), allowing a single wetland design to satisfy the needs of multiple bird species. By assessing elevation, slope, distance to water sources, and surrounding threats, suitable habitat patches are selected for modification, avoiding the waste of resources caused by blindly modifying unsuitable areas. Meanwhile, by identifying threats to surrounding land use, priority can be given to modifying patches with low threat levels and high restoration potential, reducing the risk of external interference to subsequent projects and indirectly extending the effective lifespan of the projects. Based on the population size of the target species, types such as gentle slope swamps, mudflats, reed marshes, and habitat islands are classified and matched with corresponding areas. For example, for plovers and sandpipers with large populations, the area of mudflats is expanded to meet their flocking foraging needs, ensuring that the habitat can support a stable population and avoiding habitat fragmentation and insufficient carrying capacity, which leads to waterbirds only staying for a short time.
[0022] Step S3: Hydrological Connection: Use tidal channels and fishpond ditches in the wetland as drainage mediums, repair and renovate existing sluice gates and culverts, control the amount of water entering and leaving the area, remove the barriers of sea dikes and pond embankments, reshape the water network inside and outside the wetland, and create an open water surface. Among them, the sluice gates can use double-layer sluice gates with grilles and gates to facilitate the passage of fish and better realize the exchange of water and materials between land and sea. In addition, overflow dams and other facilities can be built to ensure the water surface area and water level of the water storage area during low tide or dry season. Topographic shaping: The bottom of the fishpond is excavated in a pot-like shape, and slopes are built around it to create shallow water marshes and gentle slope marshes. Excavated soil is piled into islands or strip-shaped submerged embankments are constructed. The slope of the revetment and the water depth of the area are adjusted to control the slope of the shallow water marshes to be < 4% and the water depth to be 0.1~0.3m; the slope of the gentle slope marshes to be < 10% and the water depth to be < 1m; fine sand extracted from dredged tidal channels is used to create mudflats, with the slope controlled to be < 4% and the water depth to be < 0.15m; islands are built in the gentle slope marshes to create habitat islands, with the slope controlled to be < 4%, while ensuring the internal soil balance; Vegetation control: Based on the different functional zones and habitat creation requirements, plants within the area should be screened to remove invasive species, including but not limited to Spartina alterniflora, Bidens pilosa, and Lantana camara. Plants adapted to the reproduction, hiding, or foraging needs of target species should be selected and bred. For example, in habitat island areas, wetland herbs or shrubs such as Scutellaria barbata, Sedum aizoon, and Suaeda salsa can be planted; in revetment areas, aquatic or wetland herbs such as native reeds, Rhizophora shortleaf, and a small number of trees such as Cantharides can be planted; in gentle slope marshes, aquatic plants such as lotus and sedges should be mainly planted; in addition, sufficient areas should be left unplanted to create bare beaches. Food chain creation: Collect appropriate amounts of zooplankton and benthic insects from the bottom sediment of shallow water areas in lakes and estuaries upstream with similar water quality to the wetland and release them; appropriately release artificially bred mollusks such as snails, shrimps, and clams to cultivate primary consumers; after the zooplankton and benthic animals have adapted to the environment and aquatic plants have initially grown, gradually release appropriate amounts of fish and amphibians to cultivate secondary consumers; release reptiles commonly found in the release area to cultivate tertiary consumers, provide stable foraging grounds for birds, and promote the stable formation of the wetland ecosystem.
[0023] Hydrological connectivity not only solves the problem of fish being unable to migrate, but also enables the exchange of water and matter between land and sea, providing a continuous food source of fish, shrimp and other organisms for waterbirds. Overflow dams ensure water storage during low tide / dry season, preventing the loss of waterbirds due to habitat drying during the dry season. Using tidal ditches and fishpond ditches as drainage mediums creates a natural hydrological rhythm of water entering at high tide and storing water at low tide, matching the waterbirds' habit of foraging with the tides and enhancing the attractiveness of the habitat to waterbirds. By shaping the terrain, a three-dimensional topographic gradient is constructed, consisting of deep water areas, shallow water areas, mudflats, and habitat islands. Fine sand from dredging tidal channels is used to create mudflats and dumped soil islands. This reduces the cost of purchasing materials and transporting excavated soil, while ensuring the compatibility of terrain modification with the original environment and avoiding ecological rejection caused by excessive human intervention. By controlling vegetation to remove invasive species, we can provide growth space for native vegetation on which target species depend, avoid the problem of habitat monopoly by invasive species, and classify and configure them according to habitat islands, revetments, and gentle slopes and marshes. At the same time, we reserve bare beaches to ensure that vegetation can play a role in avoiding natural enemies and providing breeding grounds, without crowding out foraging space. By creating a complete wetland food chain, we can avoid the predicament of waterbirds having no food in their habitat, ensure that waterbirds can stay and breed for a long time, and form a stable population. We can also introduce zooplankton and reptiles with similar water quality from upstream to avoid ecological risks caused by the introduction of alien species. At the same time, we can ensure that the food chain is compatible with the local native ecosystem and reduce subsequent maintenance costs.
[0024] Step S4: Densely plant Casuarina equisetifolia as a bio-fence in areas with gentler slopes around the wetland. Set up plant buffer zones between the bio-fence and the wetland, as well as in areas with steeper slopes where it is inconvenient to set up bio-fences. Select plants such as Taiwan acacia, Chinaberry, Casuarina equisetifolia and Chinese tallow tree. Set up hidden birdwatching houses in the plant buffer zones based on the principle of low disturbance to meet the needs of bird observation.
[0025] The dense planting of casuarina trees on the periphery acts as a biological fence, effectively preventing unauthorized human entry, reducing the invasion of terrestrial predators, and minimizing the impact of external factors on the habitat. The intermediate layer of vegetation further mitigates external disturbances while providing additional habitat space for songbirds and landfowl, thus combining isolation and habitat functions. Concealed birdwatching houses are set up based on the principle of low disturbance, which not only meets the needs of scientific research and ecological popularization but also avoids the problem of frequent disturbance to waterbirds caused by unplanned birdwatching. The concealment of the birdwatching houses ensures that waterbird activities are not affected, while providing fixed observation points for subsequent long-term monitoring and improving the continuity of monitoring data.
[0026] Step S5: Conduct monthly surveys of waterbird populations within the region, focusing on threatened species, key species, and newly introduced species. Use a combination of transects and sampling points to count species and numbers. Install integrated meteorological stations in areas of the wetland where dominant species are concentrated to monitor air temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed at different altitudes, soil temperature at different depths, photosynthetically active radiation, illuminance, rainfall, and evaporation. Record data every 15 minutes.
[0027] Monthly monitoring of target species allows for a direct assessment of the project's attraction effect on these species. If a decrease in the number of birds in a certain habitat is detected, retrospective analysis can be conducted to determine if it was caused by issues such as changes in water depth or insufficient benthic organisms. This provides a basis for subsequent maintenance and achieves a closed loop of creation, monitoring, and optimization. By comprehensively monitoring factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, photosynthetic radiation, and rainfall at meteorological stations, extreme environmental events can be detected in a timely manner, allowing for proactive intervention measures. This avoids passively responding to environmental changes that could lead to habitat destruction and ensures the stability of waterbird habitats.
[0028] Step S6: Increase the buffer zone area of wetlands, regulate beachcombing activities within the protected area, and limit the time and area of such activities; set up warning facilities to remind tourists to behave properly and avoid disturbing waterbirds; set up security and monitoring systems to strengthen the supervision of wetlands, severely crack down on poaching and illegal fishing, and improve the habitat protection system.
[0029] By regulating human activities, the intensity of human interference was reduced; by utilizing security monitoring and improving the system, the rigidity of protection was strengthened; and by expanding the buffer zone, the resilience against interference was enhanced.
[0030] The integrated habitat creation method for waterbirds provided by this invention is systematic, targeted, and scientific. Through comprehensive surveys and analyses, the condition of wetlands and the needs of waterbirds can be accurately grasped; targeted selection of target species and creation of suitable habitats improve the suitability of habitats; and the comprehensive application of multiple technical means and a sound monitoring and protection system ensure the long-term stability of habitats.
[0031] This method can effectively improve the living environment of waterbirds in riverside and coastal wetlands, increase their survival and reproduction rates, and is of great significance for maintaining wetland biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. At the same time, the method takes into account the balance between human observation needs and waterbird protection, and has good practicality and operability.
[0032] This invention has been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein; other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims are also within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A method for comprehensive habitat creation for waterbirds in riverside and coastal wetlands, characterized in that: Comprising the following steps: Step S1: Conduct detailed research and analysis on the terrain, water bodies, and plant and animal resources within the selected riverfront coastal wetland area; Step S2: Based on the results of the preliminary research, select representative waterbird species that are of great significance to global biodiversity protection as target species for demand analysis, and select suitable terrain within the range for modification; Step S3: Based on demand analysis and terrain conditions, apply multiple technical means including hydrological connection, terrain shaping, vegetation regulation, and bait proliferation to create habitats suitable for target species to inhabit and reproduce, including but not limited to open water, shallow marsh, gentle slope marsh, sand beach, and habitat island; Step S4: Combine with plants or ecological materials to build an ecological isolation belt to reduce the disturbance of noise and human activities on the habitat, specifically including biological fences and plant buffer zones; at the same time, to meet the needs of bird observation, hidden bird watching houses can be set up in the plant buffer zone based on the principle of low disturbance; Step S5: Build a long-term monitoring system to dynamically monitor the wetland resources and utilization status, regularly investigate, monitor, and evaluate the ecological status of the wetland, and summarize the monitoring data; Step S6: Improve the habitat protection system, take targeted measures to maintain the ecological function of the built habitat in a long period, and effectively protect the habitat by taking measures such as increasing the buffer zone, standardizing the driving activities in the protected area, setting up warning facilities to regulate tourists, avoiding pedestrians disturbing waterbirds, setting up security and monitoring systems, and rectifying poaching and hunting.
2. The habitat comprehensive construction method for riverfront coastal wetland waterbirds according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the research and analysis includes: Step S11: Collect data including images, topographic maps, land use types, water area, and water depth within the range through multiple technical means including remote sensing, unmanned aerial photography, and topographic survey; Step S12: Collect information on the types, area, and spatial distribution of vegetation by counting the types and quantity of plants within the range through multiple technical means including remote sensing, unmanned aerial photography, and topographic survey; Step S13: Count the types and quantity of birds within the range once a month, and identify the protection level of the counted birds, which can be done simultaneously one hour before and after high tide, and can use a combination of line and point methods; Step S14: Count the types and quantity of benthic organisms in different wetland habitats, including but not limited to the bottom of each open water area, reed community, short-leaf sawgrass community, sea arrowhead community, and light beach.
3. The habitat comprehensive construction method for riverfront coastal wetland waterbirds according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S2 specifically includes: Step S21: Select target species by considering the size of each bird population, protection level, current situation, and future development within the range, focusing on cornerstone species, focal species, threatened species, key species, and flagship species; Step S22: Based on the life history research of the target species, the target species is divided into waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, land birds, and climbing birds, and habitat demand analysis is conducted respectively, focusing on the vegetation preference, environmental preference and foraging preference of the target species; Step S23: Carrying out bird habitat adaptability evaluation in the range of riverside coastal wetland, selecting suitable habitat patches for reconstruction by evaluating the regional elevation, slope, slope direction, water source distance and the threat degree of surrounding land use to habitat quality, and dividing different types of habitats including gentle slope mudflat, sand beach, reed marsh and habitat island according to the habits of target species by adjusting the revetment slope, water depth and vegetation.
4. The habitat comprehensive construction method for water birds in riverside coastal wetlands according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the construction means includes: Step S31: Hydrological connection: Following the site characteristics, the tidal ditch, fishpond ditch is used as a medium for water drainage, and by repairing, reconstructing or newly building water gates and culverts, the water inflow and outflow of the region is controlled, thereby breaking the barrier between the seawall and the pond ridge, reshaping the water network inside and outside the wetland, and creating open water in the region; Step S32: Topography shaping: By excavating the fishpond bottom, the obtained spoil is accumulated into an island or used for constructing a strip-shaped dark stem, and by adjusting the revetment slope and the regional water depth, habitats including shallow water marsh, gentle slope marsh, sand beach and habitat island are shaped, while ensuring the internal earthwork balance; Step S33: Vegetation regulation: According to the different functional areas and constructed habitats, the plants in the region are screened, invasive species are removed, and plants suitable for the breeding, hiding or foraging needs of target species are selected and cultivated; Step S34: Food chain construction: According to the size of the bird population, suitable fish, shrimp, crab and shellfish larvae are released in the habitat and surrounding water bodies, or aquatic organisms in external water bodies are introduced through double-layered gates, and by constructing habitats suitable for fish and benthic species reproduction, stable foraging grounds for birds are provided, and the formation of a stable wetland ecosystem is promoted.
5. The habitat comprehensive construction method for water birds in riverside coastal wetlands according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, Casuarina equisetifolia L. is selected for the biological fence, which is densely planted in the areas with gentle slope outside the wetland; the plant buffer zone is located between the biological fence and the wetland, or can be set in areas with steep slope where it is not convenient to set up a biological fence; the plant buffer zone includes Acacia confusa Merr., Melia azedarach Linn., Casuarina equisetifolia L. and Triadica sebifera (Linnaeus) Small.
6. The habitat comprehensive construction method for water birds in riverside coastal wetlands according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S5, the wetland dynamic monitoring includes water bird population monitoring and wetland weather monitoring, and specific monitoring steps include: Step S51: periodically carry out water bird population survey in the region, count bird species and quantity data, interval can take 1 month or shorter, mainly for the existing rare birds in the wetland found in the early research, the target species selected in step S21 and the new species, the investigation method adopts the investigation method combining sample line and sample point; Step S52: install one or more comprehensive weather stations in the area of dominant population in the wetland to monitor the actual weather data of the wetland, including air temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed at different heights, soil temperature at different depths, photosynthetic active radiation, illumination, rainfall and evaporation, and data is recorded every 15 minutes.
7. The habitat comprehensive construction method for water birds in the riverside coastal wetland according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S11, remote sensing and image data mainly rely on high-resolution No. 2 images provided by regional information centers, which are preprocessed through registration, correction and projection conversion, then image fusion comparison is carried out, the best fusion method that retains the original spectral characteristics is selected for fusion generation, and the complete image and terrain elevation of the region are supplemented by field unmanned aerial vehicle shooting and Tianditu network data; then, each land use type, water area and water depth data in the region are obtained through visual or machine learning-based computer classification, and then manually corrected through field investigation; In step S12, the collection of plant species and quantity is carried out by combining sample plots and quadrats, 3-5 typical and representative quadrats are set for each plant community type, if the plant community has multiple layers in vertical structure, hierarchical investigation is carried out, the main forest layer is determined first, then the main forest layer plant quadrat investigation is carried out, and then representative sub-forest layer quadrats are set in the main forest layer quadrat; In step S14, the number of sampling points is determined according to the habitat proportion, a soil column with an area of 25cm×25cm and a depth of 30cm is dug at each sampling point, and the benthic organisms are picked up for species identification and quantity statistics after passing through a 40-mesh sample screen.
8. The habitat comprehensive construction method for water birds in the riverside coastal wetland according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S32, shallow marshes and gentle slope marshes are created by excavating the bottom of fish ponds like a pot and piling up around, wherein the slope of the shallow marsh is controlled to be <4% and the water depth is 0.1-0.3m; the slope of the gentle slope marsh is controlled to be <10% and the water depth is <1m; the sand beach is created by using fine sand extracted from dredged tidal ditches, the slope is controlled to be <4% and the water depth is <0.15m; the habitat island is created by piling up islands in the gentle slope marsh or open water, and the slope is controlled to be <4%. In the step S33, the plants are selected based on the functional zones and the habitat creation. In addition, sufficient area is left without planting plants for creating light beach. The removed invasive species include but are not limited to Spartina alterniflora Lois., Bidens pilosa L. and Lantana camara L.
9. The habitat comprehensive creation method for water birds in riverside coastal wetlands according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the step S34, the species are introduced according to the following steps: Step S341: A proper amount of zooplankton and benthic insects are put in, which can be obtained from the mud in the shallow water area of the lakes and estuary upstream with similar water quality as the wetland; and a proper amount of artificially bred mollusks including river snails, shrimps and river clams are put in to cultivate the first-level consumers; Step S342: After the zooplankton and benthic animals adapt to the environment and the aquatic plants grow initially, a proper amount of fish and amphibians are gradually put in to cultivate the second-level consumers; Step S343: Common reptiles in the breeding site are put in to cultivate the third-level consumers.