Descriptions of Wetland Ecological Characters and Their Application in Conservation and Management Case Study:Wuliangsuhai

摘要

Wetlands and species around the world are currently undergoing unprecedented losses and degeneration,having serious impact on wetland ecosystem service that matter tremendously to human wellbeing.Descriptions of wetland ecological features are a concept developed and promoted by the Ramsar Convention,the purpose of which is to provide the basis for identifying the state of wetland ecological features and maintaining them within a certain scope through descriptions of components,process and service of wetland ecosystem during a specific period.At present,there is no substantial work done or being done concerning the description of ecological features in the PRC.This paper takes the Wuliangsuhal Lake and describes its ecological features to demonstrate how wetland conservation and management needs a scientific basis.Located in an arid and semiarid region,the Wuliangsuhai is the only large water area in this region,providing important ecosystem services such as landforms,wetland habitat,fish,vegetation,and bottom-dwelling organisms; ecological processes,such as hydrological process,biogeochemical process,nutrient cycle,and biological process such as receiving farmland irrigation and drainage,purifying water quality,serving as a stopover and breeding ground for migratory birds,and as a reed (Phragmites australis),migratory birds,fishery and tourism.The ecological features were relatively stable within the short term,but in the long-term considerable changes occurred such as reduced water area,increased Phragmites australis production,and lowered fishery production.In the light of changes in ecological features,it is suggested that the Wuliangsuhai's current area should currently be maintained,with the area of Phragmites australis to be reduced and fishery resources recovered.