Spatio-temporal analysis of habitat suitability for the endangered oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana) in the wetland ecosystem of northeast China

Human-induced habitat transformation often leads to habitat degradation and loss, impacting suitable habitats for endangered and rare species. This study was conducted to assess suitable habitats for the endangered oriental white stork in the wetland ecosystem of northeast China, to facilitate successful species-habitat conservation. The study incorporated field surveys, literature reviews, vegetation index calculations, eDNA for assessing prey abundance and land use and land cover classification for the years 2000, 2011, and 2022. A fuzzy logic-based habitat model was developed to map suitable habitats for the oriental stork. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to assess the influence of various environmental variables on habitat suitability changes. Roosting locations of the oriental stork were used as reference points to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on habitat suitability. The results indicate that 20% of the area is highly suitable for the stork, 73.4% is moderately suitable, and 5.6% is less or not suitable. Habitats near lakes and rivers, with low Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and high Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), are more suitable compared to areas close to roads and built-up zones. Prey abundance, particularly fish, is a crucial determinant of oriental stork presence and survival. Marshlands, swamps, and water bodies were identified as the most suitable habitats, as they interface with lotic and lentic ecosystems providing abundant prey for the storks. Our findings emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to protect wetland ecosystems and habitats for endangered and rare bird species. Priority should be given to habitats identified as critical roosting areas for the oriental stork.