Effect of different management techniques on bird taxonomic groups on rice fields in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Many bird species rely on the ecological functions of rice field habitats (e.g., paddy, levee, road, and ditch). However, recent intensive practices are causing rice fields to provide fewer suitable habitats. This study examined bird habitat usage and how it is affected by cultivation methods (e.g., eco-friendly vs conventional fields). Eco-friendly and conventional rice fields in the midwestern region of the Republic of Korea were surveyed from January 2014 to December 2016, and the species presence, number of birds, and locations of observed habitats were recorded. It was found that shorebirds and herons used more eco-friendly rice paddies with lower or no pesticide and/or herbicide use, while waterfowl used paddy habitats more than the other habitats, regardless of the amounts of pesticides and/or herbicides used. Land birds used ditches or roads in conventional rice fields more than those in fields that used pesticides and/or herbicides. Pesticide and/or herbicide use affected bird taxonomic groups differently. Consequently, the use of habitats by different bird taxonomic groups varied depending on the crop cultivation as well as the cultivation methods. These results provided valuable information for managing rice fields, which serve as habitats for birds.

Taxon‐specific responses to landscape‐scale and long‐term implementation of environmentally friendly rice farming

“…Our results also indicate that EFF implementation at the landscape scale increases the abundance of Ardeidae. This is likely due to increased availability of prey resources (Choi et al, 2021; Ibáñez et al, 2010; Katayama et al, 2019). Breeding waterbird populations, particularly Ardeidae, use rice fields primarily as foraging habitats (Elphick, 2000; Fasola et al, 1996).…”

“…Breeding waterbird populations, particularly Ardeidae, use rice fields primarily as foraging habitats (Elphick, 2000; Fasola et al, 1996). Organic rice fields support more loaches, amphibians and macro‐invertebrates, which are the main food resources of Ardeidae, than conventional fields during the rice growing period (Choi et al, 2021; Hesler et al, 1993; Ibáñez et al, 2010). Winter flooding may also increase amphibians and macroinvertebrates during the summer (Takada et al, 2014; Uruma et al, 2012).…”

“…Some Ardeidae birds appear to efficiently locate highquality foraging patches based on their movement decisions (Amano & Katayama, 2009). These facts strongly suggest that while many previous studies have focused on the importance of rice field management outside the growing season (Ibáñez et al, 2010), rice field management for bird conservation should also encompass the growing season (Choi et al, 2021;Tourenq et al, 2003).…”

An empirical and expert‐knowledge hybrid approach to implement farmland habitat assessment for birds

“…Previous research has recommended eco‐friendly farming practices for bird conservation (Choi et al, 2021; Mlambo, 2021). This study aims explicitly at determining bird habitats on farmland by evaluating important ecological indicators, such as farmland patch integrity, farmland landscape heterogeneity, distance to the nearest vegetation, so on.…”

“…ANP can be used as a weight-based evaluating method to find solutions for complex problems, thereby aiding decision-makers with valuable information in evaluating a host of parameters prior to making a final decision, reducing uncertainty in human judgments and leading to more reliable outcomes. Previous research has recommended eco-friendly farming practices for bird conservation (Choi et al, 2021;Mlambo, 2021). This study aims explicitly at determining bird habitats on farmland by evaluating important ecological indicators, such as farmland patch integrity, farmland landscape heterogeneity, distance to the nearest vegetation, so on.…”