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Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration of wetland in suburban area: Challenges and Prospects

shaoyi wang, Hailan Yu, Huabin Shentu, Caiwei Gu, senjun huang, libing wang, heng zheng, junchao ma, jianguang wang, Jun Wei

Abstract

Context: Wetland loss threatens global biodiversity. Peri-urban wetlands face acute pressures from urban expansion. Aims: Investigate biodiversity and land cover changes in two wetlands undergoing suburbanization near Hangzhou, China. Methods: Seasonal field surveys of birds, fish, amphibians coupled with remote sensing analysis of land cover changes from 2009-2020. Key results: Pre-urban wetlands exhibits unique degradation patterns including reduced species diversity, simplified community structures and proliferation of invasive species: 91 bird species recorded, dominated by common residents; 25 still water fish species with few carnivores/migratory species; 5 ubiquitous amphibian species detected. Species richness lower than nearby conserved wetlands. From 2009-2020, 6-7% of wetlands lost to urban expansion and converted to artificial vegetation/infrastructure. Conclusions: ecological degradation driven by rapid urbanization, fragmented by roads and converted to artificial land covers. Water pollution from insufficient treatment and abandoned aquaculture further impaired habitats. Implications: Innovative integrated management framework were proposed for wetlands biodiversity restoration in suburban area. Key strategies include: 1) Modernizing traditional circular economies to sustain wise use; 2) Wildlife-friendly infrastructure design; 3) Targeted invasive species control; 4) Adaptive co-management informed by ongoing monitoring. This socio-ecological systems approach aims to harmonize biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable development in threatened suburban wetlands.

MF24090  Accepted 29 August 2024

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