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