Spatial Patterns for the Distribution of Winter Waterbirds in the Aquaculture Ponds of Chongming Dongtan, Shanghai

The spatial utility pattern of birds reflects their selection of habitats. Based on field surveys, spatial statistics and landscape pattern analyses, we investigated the distribution pattern of winter waterbirds in the aquaculture ponds of Chongming Dongtan, Shanghai. The results showed that ducks had a different pattern from that of waders. The distribution pattern of ducks revealed a significantly positive autocorrelation and clustered distribution, while that of waders showed a non-autocorrelation and random distribution. As a supplementary habitat, the aquaculture ponds play an important role for winter waterbirds. There are, however, differences in selecting habitats among groups of winter waterbirds. Ducks prefer ponds with well-developed reed vegetation, a relatively smaller water area and deeper water, while waders favor larger water areas and shallower water. The requirement of habitats for different groups of winter waterbirds should be taken into account when planning land use and managing a natural reserve.

Keywords
Winter waterbirds; Aquaculture ponds; Spatial statistics; Spatial distribution; Chongming Dongtan