¡¡¡¡Zhang, W., Li, X., Yu, L. and Si, Y., 2018. Multi-scale habitat
selection by two declining East Asian waterfowl species at their core
spring stopover area. Ecological Indicators, 87, pp.127-135.
(¶¹Ñ㣬°×¶îÑ㣬HQNG series)
¡¡¡¡Animals respond to their environment at multiple spatial scales that
each require different conservation measures. Waterbirds are key
bio-indicators for globally threatened wetland ecosystems but their
multi-scale habitat selection mechanisms have rarely been studied. Using
satellite tracking data and Maximum entropy modeling, we studied
habitat selection of two declining waterfowl species, the Greater
White-fronted Goose (Anser Albifrons) and the Tundra Bean Goose (A.
serrirostris), at three spatial scales: landscape (30, 40, 50?km),
foraging (10, 15, 20?km) and roosting (1, 3, 5?km). We hypothesized that
the landscape-scale habitat selection was mainly based on relatively
coarse landscape metrics, while more detailed landscape features were
taken into account for the foraging- and roosting- scale habitat
selection. We found that both waterfowl species preferred areas with a
larger percentage of wetland and waterbodies at the landscape scale,
aggregated waterbodies surrounded by scattered croplands at the foraging
scale, and well-connected wetlands and well-connected middle-sized
waterbodies at the roosting scale. The main difference in habitat
selection for the two species occurred at the landscape and foraging
scale; factors at the roosting scale were similar. We suggest that
conservation activities should focus on enhancing the aggregation and
connectivity of waterbodies and wetlands, and developing less aggregated
cropland in the surroundings. Our approach could guide waterbird
conservation practices and wetland management by providing effective
measures to improve habitat quality in the face of human-induced
environmental change.