The Impacts of a Large Water Transfer Project on a Waterbird Community in the Receiving Dam: A Case Study of Miyun Reservoir, China

As natural wetlands are degrading worldwide, artificial wetlands can operate as a substitute to provide waterbirds with refuge, but they cannot replace natural wetlands. Reservoirs, one of the most common artificial wetlands in China, can be of great importance to waterbirds. Miyun reservoir in Beijing, China, has undergone a process similar to a natural lake being constructed in a reservoir. In this study, we surveyed waterbird community composition and evaluated the corresponding land cover and land use change with satellite and digital elevation model images of both before and after the water level change. The results showed that in all modelled scenarios, when the water level rises, agricultural lands suffer the greatest loss, with wetlands and forests following. The water level rise also caused a decrease in shallow water areas and a decline in the number and diversity of waterbird communities, as the components shifted from a shallow-water preferring group (waders, geese and dabbling ducks) to a deep-water preferring group (most diving ducks, gulls and terns). Miyun reservoir ceased to be an important waterbird habitat in China and is no longer an important stopover site for white-naped cranes. A similar process is likely to occur when a natural lake is constructed in a reservoir. Therefore, we suggest that policymakers consider the needs of waterbirds when constructing or managing reservoirs.

Automated summary

As natural wetlands degrade, artificial wetlands can provide refuge for waterbirds, but they cannot fully replace natural wetlands. In this study, the researchers examined the impact of water level changes on a reservoir in China and found that the rise in water level resulted in the loss of agricultural lands and wetlands, as well as a decrease in shallow water areas and waterbird diversity. The findings suggest that policymakers should consider the needs of waterbirds when constructing or managing reservoirs.