Colony persistence in waterbirds is constrained by pond quality and land use

摘要: Summary The conservation of wetlands, many threatened by human activities, is paramount to sustaining global biodiversity. Yet the protection targeted wetlands may not be sufficient protect species they host because some also impacted alterations surrounding landscape. Some black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus: Laridae) populations have experienced a sharp decline in population size and number colonies. Here, we investigated relative contributions wetland its landscape two major determinants dynamics, i.e. habitat selection reproductive success, using 37 years monitoring data. Our analyses revealed that large areas cultivated land ponds high vegetation cover helophytes promote longer occupation pond colonies, probably allow better success. We found both agricultural practices landscapes sharply changed over past 30 years study area, with an intensification former general decrease latter. These are likely led observed breeding gulls. The helophyte reduced their ability construct nests protects them against flooding, decreased food availability during crucial period reproduction. Our provides additional evidence, from long-term changes habitats order effective, waterbird plans should consider terrestrial addition quality wetland.