Dynamic evaluation of waterfowl habitat quality and improvement strategy of wetland habitat function in Xianghai Nature Reserve

Abstract This study focuses on the Xianghai Wetland Nature Reserve in the western Songnen Plain, using remote sensing, field surveys, and model simulations to assess waterfowl habitat quality from 2014 to 2023. A Waterfowl Habitat Quality Index (HQI) was established based on hydrological connectivity (MNDWI), vegetation coverage (NDVI), water depth, and waterfowl diversity (Shannon-Wiener index), integrating weights through the entropy and analytic hierarchy methods for comprehensive evaluation. Results indicate that habitat quality declined from 2014 to 2019 but improved notably after 2020 due to artificial water replenishment and ecological restoration. High-quality habitats are mainly distributed in wetland cores and lake surroundings, while marginal zones suffer from human disturbance, showing a decline from center to periphery. Hydrological connectivity is the key factor, and water depth and vegetation influence waterfowl distribution via food and concealment. Based on HQI zoning, core areas should maintain minimal intervention, degraded zones require hydrological and vegetation restoration, and human activity areas need ecological red lines and buffers. This research clarifies the coupling among hydrology, vegetation, and waterfowl diversity, providing scientific guidance for wetland protection and habitat management in Northeast China.