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Ecological Trade-Offs Between Mangrove Expansion and Waterbird Diversity: Guild-Specific Responses to Pond-to-Mangrove Restoration

Cheng Cheng,Miaomiao He,Cairong Zhong,Xiaobo Lv,Haijie Yang,Wenqing Wang

Published 2026 in Animals

ABSTRACT

Simple Summary Mangrove restoration is rapidly expanding across coastal regions, yet its benefits and risks for waterbirds remain uncertain. In this study, we examined how waterbird communities responded to pond-to-mangrove restoration in Bamen Bay, Hainan Island, by comparing restored mangrove ponds with nearby aquaculture ponds. We found that restoration quickly increased the number of bird species and supported a wider range of ecological functions. Herons adapted well to the new habitats created by tidal reconnection and young mangrove growth. Shorebirds, which depend on open mudflats, showed no clear improvement in this short-term comparison and may be more sensitive if mangroves continue to expand, a possibility that will require longer-term monitoring. Our study highlights that mangrove restoration can enhance biodiversity but also reduce the habitats needed by mudflat specialists. Successful restoration should therefore balance mangrove expansion with the conservation of open tidal flats to support diverse waterbird communities.

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