Waterbird–habitat relationships in South Carolina: implications for protection, restoration, and management of coastal and inland wetlands

作者：Nicholas M. Masto, An C. Hsiung, Richard M. Kaminski, Beth E. Ross, Molly Rebecca Kneece, Garrett. L. Wilkerson, Robert F. Baldwin, R. Daniel Hanks, Ernie P. Wiggers, Travis H. Folk, Robert D. Perry, Richard H. Coen, Robert C. Leland, James T. Anderson · 发表于：Restoration Ecology · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1111/rec.13956 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics、Avian ecology and behavior、Flood Risk Assessment and Management

South Carolina coastal and inland wetlands are continentally important to resident, migrating, and wintering dabbling ducks (Anatini), diving and sea ducks (Aythini, Mergini, Oxyurini), pelagic waterbirds (Anhingidae, Laridae, Pelicanidae, and Phalcrocoracidae), and wading birds (Ardeidaie, Ciconiidae, Threskiornithidae). Our goal was to model wetland selection of these waterbird guilds in South Carolina during autumn–winter to determine habitat preferences and guide wetland conservation and restoration amid sea‐level rise and other coastal pressures. We conducted aerial surveys and recorded waterbird occurrence and relative abundance in winters 2017–2019. We modeled waterbird–habitat relationships relative to managed and unmanaged coastal and inland wetlands, legally protected conservation lands (e.g. federal, state, and private easements), and habitat diversity. Waterbirds selected a variety of wetlands emphasizing the importance of wetland diversity within habitat complexes. However, only managed tidal impoundments (MTIs) and protected conservation lands were selected across all waterbird guilds. Results suggest these are contemporary keystone habitats for promoting wintering waterbird abundance and diversity in South Carolina and other South Atlantic coastal regions. To compensate for future coastal wetland loss while facilitating the current and future needs of migrating and wintering waterbirds, we recommend: (1) identification and continued management of MTIs resilient...