Diet and Life-History Traits of Savannah Dwelling Waterbirds in Southern Africa: Implications for Their Conservation Status

This study evaluates the relative contribution of reproduction-based life history traits and diet to population trends in waterbirds from southern Africa. Life (clutch size, incubation period, fledging time, body mass generation length), (prey weight, lengths number taxa represented its (NTD)) conservation status (declining/not declining) 163 waterbird species were reviewed. An index generalism was created based on NTD. Cluster analysis applied define groups waterbirds. Binomial regressions used test if different across cluster variables. Four clusters defined, with most waterfowl clustering together. Species that feed small large prey had higher probabilities declining (0.17 0.26, respectively) compared those feeding medium-sized (0.08). Amphibians, coleopterans, crustacea, molluscs tunicates by all clusters, risk populations further are high given current dwindling base. The proportions (61%) waterbirds, which have constrained habitats, calls for continued efforts mitigate disturbances wetlands.