Zhalong National Nature Reserve(Zhalong) is an important stopover for migratory birds.In recent decades,Zhalong has become the focus of researchers and public discussion in relation to irrigation.We studied relationships between birds and habitats at different water levels to guide development of more effective habitat management measures.We used line transects to survey bird numbers and distribution during April-May from 2005-2009 at Zhalong,and used cluster analysis and Chi-Square tests to analyze data.We recorded 139 bird species of 39 families and 13 orders during spring migration,including Anseriformes,Charadriiformes,Ciconiiformes,Columbiformes,Coraciiformes,Cuculiformes,Falconiformes,Galliformes,Gruiformes,Passeriformes,Piciformes,Podicipediformes,Strigiformes.Dominant vegetation and geographic region were the main influence factors of avian distribution.Different ecological groups preferred different water levels(p<0.01) and different habitat types(p<0.01).Grallatores,Natatores and Passeres were the main ecological groups in different wetland habitats,and reed marsh and lake are the main habitats for management.Grallatores preferred reed marsh and lake with water levels >30 cm and 5 15 cm.Natatores preferred lakes with deep water(>30 cm).Passeres preferred open forest and reed marsh with no surface water.Different avian ecological groups occupied specific habitats depending on water level and we recorded some overlaps in bird distribution.
Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes(Grus japonensis) and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002-2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve,Qiqihar city,northeast China.The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices:the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order,nest zone selection and nest-site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat order.Various habitats(such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts) can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes,of which reed swamps(93.15%) are given a preference.Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors:fire,security(concealment /disturbance),incubation(conditions,nest-material),and food.Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands.In conclusion,fire,reeds,and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.
