Situation Analysis of Ecological Environment in Yatsu Tidal Flat by Shorebirds as Umbrella Species

Abstract

Situation analysis of ecological environment in Yatsu tidal flat (Funadamari and Sankaku Higata) was conducted using shorebirds, umbrella species, as index. By Environmental Condition Index for Ecosystem (ECIeco), ecological environment was getting worth at all sites because of red tide and blue tide occurrence in summer, but ecosystem condition recovered from autumn to winter at Sankaku Higata. Shorebirds were suggested having relationship with ECIeco which including factor of attached diatom and benthos as water and sediment quality indicator. Furthermore, Calidris alpina was shown having relationship with ground height. From the above, the flying number of shorebirds as umbrella species in Yatsu tidal flat were considered to be influenced by lower ecosystem level damage caused by such as red tide and blue tide.