Journal of Wetland Ecobiology
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Autumn 2024)
2024, 16(3): 40-51 |
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Ghaemi R, H. Kiabi B, Behrouzi-Rad B, Behbash R. A Survey of Species Diversity and Population Fluctuations of Wintering Waterbirds and Waders in the Alagol International Wetland (2007-2012). Wetland Ecobiology 2024; 16 (3) : 4
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1109-en.html
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1109-en.html
Abstract: (351 Views)
The Alagol International Wetland, covering approximately 2,500 hectares in northeastern Iran within the Atrak River basin, is one of the most important wintering habitats for waterbirds in the eastern Caspian region. Designated as a Ramsar Site in 1994, the wetland has recently experienced severe water shortages caused by upstream dam construction, recurrent droughts, and climate change. In this study, changes in the population, species richness, and biodiversity of wintering waterbirds were assessed over a five-year period (2007–2012) using standard field and statistical methods. Data were collected through the international Total Count method and with the aid of precision optical equipment (spotting scopes and binoculars). A total of 53,262 individual birds belonging to 43 species and 8 families were recorded, with the family Anatidae comprising the dominant group (63.25% of all observations). Statistical analyses showed that the total waterbird population declined from 20,320 individuals in 2007 to 2,702 individuals in 2011 (an 86.7% decrease), while species richness dropped from 34 to 12 species. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index decreased from 3.325 to 1.512 (a 54.5% decline), and the Simpson index fell from 0.862 to 0.437. The Mann–Kendall test indicated a significant decreasing trend in total population (τ = -0.80, p = 0.05) and diversity (τ = -0.60, p < 0.05).
Article number: 4
Keywords: Alagol wetland, Waterbirds, Biodiversity, Shannon–Wiener Index, Total Count, Temporal Variations, Ramsar Wetlands (Ramsar Sites).
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/21 | Published: 2025/12/21
Received: 2025/11/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/21 | Published: 2025/12/21
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