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Hidden intertidal zones: How did mudflats become a refuge for millions of migratory birds?
On coastlines around the world, mudflats play an integral role as important intertidal ecosystems. These areas are not only habitats for a variety of organisms, but also become key refuges for migratory birds during their migration. Through their unique geographical and ecological characteristics, mudflats support hundreds of species around the world, especially millions of migratory birds. Let’s take an in-depth look at these mudflats, which are considered ecological treasures.
Research from around the world shows that the ecosystem coverage of intertidal mudflats is equivalent to that of mangroves, covering an area of at least 127,921 square kilometers. These mudflats are not only found on coasts, but are also formed in freshwater and saltwater lakes.
Mudflats are formed due to the accumulation of tidal water and river sediment. These areas are often located in sheltered locations such as bays, lagoons, and estuarine areas, creating rich layers of sediment. The geological structure of mudflats means that they are often submerged or exposed, and generally experience twice daily tidal cycles. Due to their unique geology, sediments within mudflats are concentrated in intertidal areas, making these areas hotspots of biodiversity.
In these ecologically rich mudflats, millions of migratory birds rely on these environments as important resting places during their migrations. Mudflats provide a rich source of food, including a variety of small crustaceans, molluscs and other organisms, providing necessary support for the survival of migratory birds.
Recent research shows that the importance of mudflats is not sufficiently appreciated. In the past, mudflats were often viewed as unhealthy, economically worthless areas and threatened by overdevelopment. Especially in East Asia, many mudflats have been backfilled to develop agriculture and industry, resulting in dozens of mudflats disappearing over the past few decades.
Globally, mudflats are expected to face threats from rising sea levels, claims for development land, shipping drags and chemical pollution in the future.
Although these threats have increased over time, mudflats must be protected. This is because mudflats are not only a habitat for organisms, they also effectively prevent coastal erosion. In fact, the presence of mudflats is critical to maintaining coastline stability.
Threats continue to increase globally, especially in Asia. According to surveys, up to 16% of the global intertidal mudflat area has disappeared since the mid-1980s. Such losses not only affect the ecosystems of the mudflats but also reduce their ability to withstand natural disasters.
The current mudflat ecosystem has a series of unique sediment structures and biological resources, which all affect the ecological balance. Vegetation in mudflats, such as halophytes and herbaceous plants, provides a rich habitat and also has an important impact on mudflat productivity.
A wide range of biological activities, such as bioturbation, also play an important role in mudflat ecosystems. These activities aid in nutrient cycling and the redistribution of sediments.
Mudflat areas around the world, such as the Bay of Arcachon in France, the Great Rann of Kutch in India, and the beaches of Massachusetts in the United States, illustrate the diversity and importance of intertidal ecosystems. The mudflats in these areas are not only important habitats for migratory birds, but also breeding grounds for a variety of fish and other aquatic life.
By protecting and maintaining mudflat ecosystems, we can create new opportunities for future environmental sustainability. There is an urgent need for a deeper understanding of mudflats and their ecological importance.
Ultimately, a mudflat ecosystem is not just a place, it is a complex ecological network whose importance cannot be underestimated, both for migratory birds and for overall ecosystem health. However, are we willing to pay due attention and action to these hidden treasures?
