Trait-based indicators of migratory waterbird communities suggest decoupled ecosystem service potential across Yellow Sea–Bohai Gulf wetlands

A novel trait-based framework reveals that body size, bill morphology, and foraging behavior of migratory waterbirds are stronger predictors of regulating and supporting ecosystem services than site area or species richness. This study analyzed 14 Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf wetlands, finding that plumage coloration best predicts cultural services while functional diversity metrics often fail to capture service-specific signals. The approach complements traditional prioritization methods by flagging sites with potential for distinct ecosystem functions, offering a transparent tool for conservation assessment where standardized trait data are available.

Pan, L., Liu, X., Jia, Y., & Dou, Y. (2026). Trait-based indicators of migratory waterbird communities suggest decoupled ecosystem service potential across Yellow Sea–Bohai Gulf wetlands. Ecological Indicators, 190, 115347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115347