Waterbirds in Fujian: A Crucial Stopover

Coastal wetlands in Fujian, eastern China, are a vital part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. These wetlands support a large number of migratory waterbirds, providing them with breeding habitats, stopover sites, and overwintering refuges. Several endangered species, such as the Platalea minor and Anser cygnoides, rely on these wetlands for survival. Maintaining the ecological balance of coastal Fujian is crucial for conserving biodiversity in the region.

The dataset was collected through a synchronized survey of wintering waterbirds in coastal Fujian Province, China, in February 2006. The survey aimed to assess the distribution and abundance of waterbirds across the coastal wetlands. The survey covered an area of 2,657.56 km², spanning from 23°43'N to 27°17'N and from 117°19'E to 120°18'E. Systematic observations were conducted at 191 fixed survey points within 21 wetlands, encompassing 25 wetland nature reserves. A total of 108,125 waterbirds were recorded, including 102,036 identified individuals belonging to 64 species and 39 genera. The top 10 species accounted for 84% of all individuals, consisting of four shorebirds, three ducks, one gull, one egret, and one cormorant.

The dataset is organized according to the Darwin Core standard, ensuring data comparability and reusability. This information is essential for long-term monitoring of species distributions and population dynamics, as well as waterbird conservation planning.

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