Influence of Human Activities on Autumn Foraging Habitat Selection of Black Storks in the Heihe Wetland, Northwest China

To identify the key ecological factors influencing the foraging site selection of Black Storks (Ciconia nigra), a field survey was conducted in the Heihe Wetland, Zhangye, Gansu Province, China, during the autumn of 2018. Environmental variables, waterbird diversity, and community structure were analyzed using principal component analysis and a generalized linear model. Black Storks preferred reservoirs and river channels far from urban areas, with minimal human disturbance, low population density, and limited transportation access. However, they were significantly attracted to reservoir aquaculture and autumn water drainage for fishing operations, and to fish ponds near urban areas with minimal disturbance. Waterbird species richness, abundance, diversity, and the population size of dominant species were significantly higher in areas where Black Storks were present (P < 0.05). The linear model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for Black Stork distribution, and principal component analysis revealed significant differences in environmental and community structure differences between areas with and without Black Storks. The presence of Black Storks and of certain other waterbird species were strongly correlated. These findings suggest that conservation management efforts should promote aquaculture and autumn water drainage to enhance foraging and roosting opportunities for migrating Black Storks.