The indicator roles of endangered scaly sided merganser (Mergus squamatus) in submontane rivers of Changbai Mountains, China

Assessing abiotic correlations of an indicator species with sympatric riparian birds in a threatened submontane river–forest system using joint species modelling

“…Similar to some other studies (Han et al, 2020;Inoue et al, 2017;Mehner et al, 2021), we found various positive and negative relationships due to residual covariates, suggesting complex potential interspecies associations. In line with the hypothesis of biotic associations (Bascompte, 2009) co-occurrence (Monkkonen et al, 1990;Xu et al, 2021). In addition, the potential species associates with other riparian bird species may be attributed to positive and negative biotic interactions.…”

“…The global endangered scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus is a submontane riparian specialist that feeds in the river and nests in holes of old-growth trees (Kajtoch et al, 2016). This species is considered a potentially good indicator in submontane riparian ecosystems due to its specific preference for habitat fragments with high ecological value (e.g., higher habitat complexity and availability) and a positive correlation with other riparian taxa (Xu et al, 2021).…”

“…The global endangered scaly‐sided Merganser Mergus squamatus is a submontane riparian specialist that feeds in the river and nests in holes of old‐growth trees (Kajtoch et al, 2016). This species is considered a potentially good indicator in submontane riparian ecosystems due to its specific preference for habitat fragments with high ecological value (e.g., higher habitat complexity and availability) and a positive correlation with other riparian taxa (Xu et al, 2021). However, the lack of biological knowledge on co‐occurrence relationships with the scaly‐sided Merganser and other riparian bird species limited our confidence in the indicator role of this species and the forces driving the composition of riparian bird communities.…”

“…Strong positive co-occurrence correlated with environmental factors between most birds suggested that these riparian species may collectively benefit from effective management and conservation actions of riparian zones. Managers should concentrate conservation efforts on river sections with higher habitat heterogeneity, large areas of bars, and wide channels, which may represent areas of high bird biodiversity in submontane riparian habitats(Xu et al, 2021). In addition, the scaly-sided Merganser showed a high frequency of co-occurrence with other riparian birds and significant responses to almost all measured environmental attributes of classic submontane riparian habitats.The environmental shared responses with other sympatric riparian birds species probably the main reason for this strict physical environment preferences and extensive community connections.Thus, this species could be used as a valid indicator of high-quality environments and elevated biodiversity in riparian ecosystems.Accordingly, the management and protection of scaly-sided Merganser could simultaneously benefit the evaluation and monitoring of important habitats more efficiently and help to maintain the biodiversity of other riparian birds, as well as other riparian species.…”

Longitudinal multidiversity pattern and the environmental drivers of riparian bird communities along submontane rivers of Changbai Mountains, China

“…In consistence, a hump‐shaped distribution of CVI (an index used to help conservationists prioritize action to where it is most needed; Terraube et al, 2016 ) was found along the submontane rivers. The higher CVI was mainly related to the occurrence of the protected waterbirds (Scaly‐sided Merganser Mergus squamatus and Mandarin duck Aix galericulata ), which could potentially indicate high biodiversity and classic submontane riparian habitats (Xu et al, 2020 ). Those longitudinal patterns highlight the high conservation value of bird community, as well as essential habitat characteristics, in midstream.…”