Types of Predation on Waterbirds and Their Management on the
Coast of Shanghai, China
SHI MING AND LU JIANJIAN
Environmental Science, East China Normal University,
Shanghai 200062, China
There are about 153 species of waterbirds, of which, over 49 are shorebirds or about 16 are rare and endangered animals, on the coast of Shanghai, which is an internationally important habitat for the Asian/Pacific region. Hunting and artificial activities are the main types of predation on waterbirds. Because of the high economic benefits, local residents use clap-nets, decoys, and whistles to catch waterbirds. In winter, thousands of ducks (such as green-winged teal and spot-billed duck) die from to poisoning; shorebirds (such as greater knot) are the main hunted birds during migratory periods (spring and autumn). Reclamation (for industrial and agricultural development) and reed cutting are the human disturbances that threaten waterbirds. In recent years, intensive human activities on the coast -- such as fishing; harvesting of shrimp, eel larvae, and shellfish; and livestock grazing -- destroy the habitat of waterfowl and can be regarded as one kind of "predation" on waterbirds. Alternative management strategies discussed in detail in this paper mainly concern the problems of hunting, artificial disturbances, protection, and the economic and ecological value.
Previous Section -- Arctic Fox Control Improves Productivity of Arctic Nesting Geese
Return to Contents
Next Section -- Effectiveness of Predator-proof Nest Exclosures to Increase Piping Plover Nesting Success
