Journal of Wetland Ecobiology
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
2026, 18(4): 55-65 |
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Rahmani Moghadam M. The Compensatory Role of the Malek Kian Artificial Wetland in the Habitat Network of Migratory Birds. Wetland Ecobiology 2026; 18 (4) : 5
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1145-en.html
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1145-en.html
The Compensatory Role of the Malek Kian Artificial Wetland in the Habitat Network of Migratory Birds
Abstract: (50 Views)
Artificial wetlands have played a vital role in biodiversity conservation in recent decades by functioning as refugia in response to the widespread degradation of natural habitats caused by climate change. The present study, conducted in 2025 on the Malek Kian Wetland in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, investigates the diversity and species composition of birds inhabiting the wetland over a one-year monitoring period (November 2024 to November 2025). The study was based on 42 field surveys and geomorphological analyses conducted using QGIS. Biodiversity metrics, including the Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou indices, as well as beta diversity (Bray–Curtis) and species accumulation curves, were calculated. A total of 96 bird species belonging to 30 families and 14 orders were recorded. The findings indicate that the vast majority of the recorded species exhibited migratory behavior. The Shannon diversity index (2.85), together with the Pielou evenness index (0.84), reflects ecological stability and a balanced distribution of bird populations within the site. The occurrence of four species listed on the IUCN Red List (2024) and 23 nationally protected species,
along with the high sensitivity of mudflat habitats to fluctuations in water levels, underscores the considerable conservation value of the wetland. The results demonstrate that the Malek Kian Wetland functions not merely as a water reservoir but as a strategic node within migratory bird flyways. Therefore, enhancing its conservation status and implementing integrated water-resource management are essential measures to prevent the degradation and potential collapse of this ecological system.
along with the high sensitivity of mudflat habitats to fluctuations in water levels, underscores the considerable conservation value of the wetland. The results demonstrate that the Malek Kian Wetland functions not merely as a water reservoir but as a strategic node within migratory bird flyways. Therefore, enhancing its conservation status and implementing integrated water-resource management are essential measures to prevent the degradation and potential collapse of this ecological system.
Article number: 5
Keywords: : Malek Kian Wetland, Avian Biodiversity, Compensatory Refuge, Artificial Wetlands, Habitat Network
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/1 | Accepted: 2026/06/29 | Published: 2026/06/29
Received: 2026/06/1 | Accepted: 2026/06/29 | Published: 2026/06/29
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