Overlooked importance: The supporting roles of satellite wetlands for waterbirds around the Yangtze-connected lakes, China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124499
• Publication Date: 2025-02-15T19:46:44Z
• Authors: Guangyao Wang; Chengrong Pan; Shilong Yu; Sheng Xu; Shuheng Dai; Jingjing Ding; Xiangrong Song; Chunlin Li; Yong Zhang; Willem F. de Boer
• Keywords: Large floodplain; Wetland connectivity; Core wetlands; Supporting roles; Satellite wetlands; Waterbird assemblages

Core-satellite wetland networks are widespread in large floodplains, but whether these satellite wetlands provide valuable alternatives for the core wetland remains often unknown in the context of global degradation and loss of natural wetlands. During the wintering season of 2022–2023, we conducted field surveys for waterbirds in two core wetlands (Shengjin Lake and Chao Lake located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China) and their surrounding satellite wetlands (aquaculture ponds, paddy fields, reservoirs and natural ponds). The supporting contribution of each satellite wetland was quantified using ratios in terms of individual numbers (SIInd), species richness (SISR), Shannon-Wiener index (SIH) and compositional similarity (SISim) relative to the corresponding core wetland. Differences in supporting contribution were analysed in relation to multi-scale environmental variables. A large number of waterbirds used these satellite wetlands, but the wetlands differed in species compositions. These supporting indices increased with area proportion of open water, landscape connectivity and wetland area, with SISR and SIH also increasing with habitat diversity. SIInd also decreased with shape index. All supporting indices were higher in aquaculture ponds and natural ponds. Generally, the supporting contributions were higher in satellite wetlands surrounding Chao Lake than those of the same types surrounding Shengjin Lake. This study suggests that satellite wetlands provide important compensatory habitats for waterbirds. The core-satellite wetland network operates as an integrated system, and therefore requires attention in management efforts aimed at preserving waterbirds and their habitats.