Exclosure study on the exploitation of macrophytes by summering and moulting waterbirds at Lower Lake Constance

Matuszak, Anja; Mörtl, Martin; Quillfeldt, Petra; Bauer, Hans‐Günther

doi:10.1007/s10750-012-1168-z

Cited by 17 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Because this crayfish species has been found to feed preferentially on charophytes rather than higher plants (Cirujano et al, 2004), it might also have contributed to the charophyte decline. Grazing by herbivorous waterfowl is also known to cause significant disturbances to submerged vegetation (Matuszak et al, 2012). Up to eight species of Anatidae are found in the area of Tancat de la Pipa, but the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) is the most abundant.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The role of charophytes in a Mediterranean pond created for restoration purposes

et al. 2015

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1B). Moreover, the denser population of waterfowl in the water spring during the final portion of the study would have created an additional nutrient supply due to the production of faeces (Matuszak et al, 2012).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of charophytes in a Mediterranean pond created for restoration purposes

et al. 2015

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“…A recent study carried out on Lake Constance ascertained that the grazing effect of the summer and moulting water bird communities, consisting above all of Eurasian Coots ( Fulica atra L.), at depths > m was non‐existent (Matuszak et al. ). The euphotic zone colonized by macrophytes that might be affected by grazing in our sites was, therefore, very small.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Bolpagni

Laini

Azzella

2016

Applied Vegetation Science

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Question What are the short‐term trends of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in deep lakes? Is it possible to measure significant changes in SAV distribution in deep lakes characterized by different trophic states and stable water physico‐chemical conditions using standard procedures over a 3‐yr period (2010–2013), as defined by the Water Framework Directive? Location We collected data from four deep lakes belonging to the Italian volcanic lake system (central Italy), which is one of the most important reserves of freshwater in Mediterranean Italy as well as one of the main hotspots of stonewort diversity in the Mediterranean area. Methods Macrophytes were sampled along five transects in each lake in 2010 and 2013. Data on aquatic plant diversity, composition and abundance were collected from each 1‐m depth intervals down to the maximum colonization depth. Simultaneously, the water quality and climate were assessed by standard procedures. Data were analysed with PCA, ANOVA, PROTEST and rank abundance curves. Results The sampling revealed a significant rearrangement of SAV. Increased species diversity in the first meters of depth (0–5 m) was due to the migration of mid‐depth species to lower depths. A reduction in the maximum growing depth of macrophytes was observed within the deepest stonewort communities (below 5 m). No significant changes emerged in water quality or climate. Conclusions Over 3 yr, SAV displayed significant changes that appear to be independent of summer nutrient conditions and climate drivers. In particular, vascular and stonewort species underwent a distinct spatial rearrangement according to specific behaviours. The present data point to the need for more rigorous analyses of the intra‐annual dynamics of macrophytes in deep lakes. An influence of the significant increase in spring precipitation (which is in keeping with local climate variability) recorded in central Italy in the last decade cannot be ruled out a priori, nor can the possibility of stochastic fluctuations be excluded. All these considerations further highlight the critical role of aquatic plants as bioindicators.

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“…The finding that later moulting female Gadwalls preferred the same ponds used most intensively by the earlier moulting males suggested that there was no severe shortage of food over the course of the season at the study site (see also Haas et al 2007). However, the depletion of food by conspecifics and heterospecifics may play a critical role at other sites (Loonen et al 1991, Matuszak et al 2012. Such a reduction of food might affect successful breeders, in particular.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species‐specific habitat use of wing‐moulting waterbirds in response to temporary flightlessness

Gehrold

2014

Ibis

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The choice of the moulting habitat is of paramount importance for wing‐moulting waterbirds that have to cope with a flightless period of several weeks. However, some species might have more restricted habitat requirements during moult than others, for example due to a highly specialized feeding ecology. The moult‐related habitat use of five species (Gadwall Anas strepera, Red‐crested Pochard Netta rufina, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Coot Fulica atra) was compared at a European inland moulting site that offered a variety of water bodies characterized by different levels of nutrient concentration, water depth, shoreline vegetation density and disturbance. To determine location‐ and species‐specific densities, birds were regularly counted throughout the moulting seasons of 2010 and 2011. In 2011, additional data on Gadwalls were used to assess differences in requirements between the flightless phase of moult and the periods before and after. Furthermore, habitat choice of 38 tagged Gadwalls was compared among two to four successive years. During the moulting season, all species showed clear preferences for specific levels of nutrient content, suggesting an active choice of suitable food sources in both food specialists and generalists. Species showing the strongest attachment to shallow water (Gadwall and Coot) were most sensitive to human disturbance and increasing water depths, and species averse to diving (Gadwall) used ponds with dense shore vegetation while flightless. For Gadwalls, habitat conditions rather than nutrient supply became increasingly important during the flightless phase. Average return rates of 59 and 54% were recorded for male and female Gadwalls, respectively, and the repeated use of familiar locations could be demonstrated in the majority of returning birds (65%). Familiarity with the habitat apparently plays an important role and may enable individuals to compensate for suboptimal conditions at the moulting site.

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Exclosure study on the exploitation of macrophytes by summering and moulting waterbirds at Lower Lake Constance

Cited by 17 publications

References 38 publications

The role of charophytes in a Mediterranean pond created for restoration purposes

The role of charophytes in a Mediterranean pond created for restoration purposes

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Species‐specific habitat use of wing‐moulting waterbirds in response to temporary flightlessness

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