Abstract:

Aims & Background: South Dianchi National Wetland Park, which is an important wintering and stopover site for migratory birds in the East Asia–Australia migratory corridor, was selected as a research target. The wetland ecosystem has been degraded and the biodiversity declined due to the human activities such as farmland reclamation around the lake and construction of wave breakwaters. 

Methods: This study conducted case analysis to describe the protection of the wetland ecosystem and to restoration of the damaged wetland habitats and woodland habitats in terms of determining protection and restoration objectives, dividing ecological zones, removing wave breakwaters, connecting the water system and modifying the forest. In addition, this paper systematically summarized the experience gained in design, implementation, construction, operation and management of the wetland park and reflected on the key tasks that need to be strengthened in the future. The Jaccard similarity index and genus-family index (G-F index) were also used to compare the changes in bird species diversity before and after park construction. 

Results: After the completion, the biodiversity of the wetland park has been enhanced. The Jaccard similarity index reached 0.83, indicating high similarity in community composition and low disturbance of the original bird community by the park construction. The G-F index rose from 0.7 to 0.8, and the diversity index at family level (D_F) increased from 13.83 to 21.16. Both forest bird and waterbird populations increased, with newly recorded species being predominantly winter migrant, realizing the original design intent. 

Suggestions & Perspectives: We suggest that the future work should be strengthened in the aspects of biodiversity monitoring and assessment, the formulation of wetland park management regulations and operation and maintenance etc.

Key words: biodiversity conservation, national wetland park, ecological conservation and restoration, Dianchi, systemic governance