Tidal flats provide important habitats for waterbirds due to their high biodiversity. The species composition and distribution of waterbirds, which function as top predators, serve as ecological indicators. As stopover sites for migratory birds, tidal...
Tidal flats provide important habitats for waterbirds due to their high biodiversity. The species composition and distribution of waterbirds, which function as top predators, serve as ecological indicators. As stopover sites for migratory birds, tidal flats are important habitats that provide migratory birds with essential energy replenishment and rest for survival. This study analyzed the migratory arrival patterns and population distribution of waterbirds in the Muan–Hampyeong tidal flats, located along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Using literature data from the National Institute of Biological Resources' 2020-2023 shorebird monitoring survey, this study analyzed the distribution patterns of the Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation. Based on the analysis, the Chinese Egret showed a high predicted distribution in the tidal flats around Hyeonhwa-ri and Hae-un-ri in Hyeongyeong-myeon, Muan-gun, whereas lower predicted values were observed in the tidal flats around Songseok-ri and Manpung-ri in Haeje-myeon, Muan-gun. The Black-faced Spoonbill showed a high predicted distribution in the tidal flats around Gaip-ri and Yongjeong-ri in Hyeongyeong-myeon, Muan-gun, whereas lower predicted values were observed in the tidal flats near Seokseong-ri in Hampyeong-eup and Seokchang-ri in Sonbul-myeon, Hampyeong-gun. Subsequently, field survey conducted from August 2023 to May 2024 were compared with the predicted results. The results showed that the Chinese Egret showed high agreement with predictions during the spring season, while the Black-faced Spoonbill showed high agreement during the combined spring and autumn season. Additionally, a total of 67 species and 13,724 individuals of waterbirds arrived, and the population showed highly concentrated in the tidal flats around Yuwol-ri in Haeje-myeon and Gaip-ri in Hyeongyeong-myeon, Muan-gun. Consequently, the Muan-Hampyeong tidal flats are considered ecologically important habitat for diverse waterbird species, including endangered species. Therefore, this study reaffirms the ecological value of the Muan-Hampyeong tidal flats within the East Asian-Australasian migratory flyway and provides foundational data for the protection and conservation of habitats for waterbirds.