The first record of the Slaty-breasted Rail Lewinia striata inhabiting
the invasive Spartina alterniflora
- Zhenqi Wang,
- Dawei Wu,
- Wei Hu,
- Changhu Lu
Abstract
In context of the prolonged invasion of smooth cordgrass Spartina
alterniflora, numerous native birds have progressively adapted to this
invaded plant. Not only certain non-specialist birds demonstrate an
ability to inhabit and utilize smooth cordgrass, but a subset of
specialist birds is also detected in the habitat as well. In this study,
we investigate a previously undocumented Rallidae species, the
slaty-breasted rail Lewinia striata, living in smooth cordgrass. These
rails exhibit a significant reliance on the invaded vegetative community
during their breeding season, engaging in foraging, vocalization, and
even successful reproduction within the smooth cordgrass. These findings
underscore the likelihood that amidst the ongoing decline of natural
wetlands, those avian species with a profound dependence on marsh
ecosystems may be compelled to adopt invasive smooth cordgrass as a
vital refuge. Such a transition is poised to impact their distribution,
foraging, and reproduction. With the backdrop of large-scale removal of
smooth cordgrass on the China coast, the disappearance of smooth
cordgrass may harm the population of these birds. Further dedicated
investigations and tracking of more individuals are needed to understand
the specific ecological impact on slaty-breasted rail.13 Sep 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution 26 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
26 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
22 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned