Understanding arid‐region waterbird community dynamics during lake dry‐downs

The community dynamics of organisms that exhibit multi-scale responses to habitat change are poorly understood. We quantified changes in species diversity and the functional composition a waterbird over two iterations repeated transition, annual drying-down arid-region Lake Ngami, Botswana. used our data test three theoretical predictions: simplification bird time due reduction area concurrent niche loss; large fluctuations densities mobile, opportunistic species; high variance predator prey abundance. Despite temporal accumulation, we observed no obvious distinct but consistent groupings abundance across transitional stages. There were some rapid shifts composition, such as loss deepwater foragers; winners losers also occurred within foraging guilds. conclude understanding community-level trends during periods will require stronger frameworks more effectively integrate unique traits groups. For conservation managers, study offers cautionary tale importance connectivity, trajectories change, potential for animal communities independent management actions ecological transition.