Habitat Suitability Dynamics of Yellow River Delta Nature Reserves for Rare Waterbirds

A comprehensive analysis of the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserves (YRDNR) reveals that despite overall increases in suitable habitat for rare waterbirds, significant structural shifts have occurred, with natural wetlands declining and artificial wetlands expanding. The study, spanning 2005 to 2024, used MaxEnt and HSI models alongside high-resolution Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) data to track habitat dynamics for five species: Ciconia boyciana, Larus saundersi, Grus japonensis, Numenius madagascariensis, and Cygnus olor. While habitats for most species showed initial decline followed by recovery, Cygnus olor experienced steady expansion. Habitat fragmentation varied, with some species showing increased patch connectivity. The research highlights the critical role of LULC in shaping habitat suitability and underscores the need for adaptive management strategies to balance wetland conservation with sustainable development.

Wang, H., Chi, Y., Zhong, Y., & Wang, Q. (2025). Habitat Suitability Dynamics of Yellow River Delta Nature Reserves for Rare Waterbirds. Sustainability, 17(12), 5326. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125326