Effect of human-induced activities on waterbirds diversity and abundance in three wetlands of international importance in Iran

Abstract

Over six years from 2011 to 2015, direct field observations and waterbirds' surveys were performed in three Ramsar sites (Choghakhor, Shadegan and Parishan). Our results indicated that all three wetlands affected by developing intensive farming systems and lowered species richness. The most important difference existing among the wetlands points to the habitat of the specialist waterbirds, while we found no significant differences in the habitat of the generalist birds. Meanwhile, some completely dependent birds like White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) have completely disappeared. Our results indicated that 87 percent of the variation in the species richness and abundance can be justified by a combination of water depth, water area, sludge depth, conductivity, total phosphorus, newly developed farming areas and vegetation cover.