The First Record of the Slaty‐Breasted Rail Lewinia striata Inhabiting the Invasive Spartina alterniflora in Dafeng, Yancheng, China

Zhen‐Qi Wang; Da‐Wei Wu; Wei Hu; Chang‐Hu Lu

doi:10.1002/ece3.71204

journal article Open Access Apr 01, 2025

The First Record of the Slaty‐Breasted Rail Lewinia striata Inhabiting the Invasive Spartina alterniflora in Dafeng, Yancheng, China

Zhen‐Qi Wang

Da‐Wei Wu Wei Hu

Chang‐Hu Lu

Ecology and Evolution Vol. 15 No. 4 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ece3.71204

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the context of the prolonged invasion of smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora, numerous native birds have progressively adapted to this invasive plant. Not only do certain non‐specialist birds demonstrate an ability to inhabit and utilize smooth cordgrass, but a subset of specialist birds is also detected in the habitat as well. In this study, we provide evidence of the Slaty‐breasted Rail Lewinia striata (Rallidae) occurring in smooth cordgrass, which had not been previously documented. These rails exhibit a significant reliance on the invaded vegetative community during their breeding season, engaging in foraging, vocalization, and even successful reproduction within the smooth cordgrass. The observations of Slaty‐breasted Rail utilizing invasive smooth cordgrass highlight the possibility that, as natural wetlands continue to decline, birds that are highly dependent on marsh ecosystems may increasingly resort to the invasive Spartina community as a critical refuge. Such a transition is poised to impact their distribution, foraging, and reproduction. With the backdrop of large‐scale removal of smooth cordgrass on the China coast, the disappearance of smooth cordgrass may harm the population of these birds. Further dedicated investigations and tracking of more individuals are needed to understand the specific ecological impact on Slaty‐breasted Rail.

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Cited By

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How does vegetation invasion reshape bird communities? Insights from mangrove and Spartina alterniflora saltmarsh in coastal China

Qingyan Sun, Xueman Xing · 2026

Journal of Environmental Management

Metrics

1

Citations

40

References

Details

Published: Apr 01, 2025
Vol/Issue: 15(4)
License: View

Authors

Z

Zhen‐Qi Wang

Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing China

D

Da‐Wei Wu

Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing China

W

Wei Hu

Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing China

C

Chang‐Hu Lu

Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China Award: 32171526

Cite This Article

Zhen‐Qi Wang, Da‐Wei Wu, Wei Hu, et al. (2025). The First Record of the Slaty‐Breasted Rail Lewinia striata Inhabiting the Invasive Spartina alterniflora in Dafeng, Yancheng, China. Ecology and Evolution, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71204

The First Record of the Slaty‐Breasted Rail Lewinia striata Inhabiting the Invasive Spartina alterniflora in Dafeng, Yancheng, China

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