Bird Fit Index Study of Vegetation in Lijiang Sanyi International Airport

PurposeThe bird suitability of vegetation in Lijiang Sanyi International Airport was studied in order to reduce the potential airplane strike from birds.

MethodQuadrat sampling method was performed in the airport vegetation in summer and winter. Bird fit index of each plant species was assessed according to plant important value, height and food relation.

ResultOver 50 plant species from 20 families distributed in Sanyi Airport, mainly belonged to Gramineae, Leguminosae and Compositae. Compared with the community in winter, the plant community in summer was much more abundant. There are few plant species with the most suitable bird fit index, while most plants can be classified into moderate bird fit index species. The proportion of moderate bird fit index plants in winter amount up 53.7%. Of species investigated, Trifolium pratense, Lespedeza cuneata, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Paspalum dilatatum were highly suitable for birds in both summer and winter.

ConclusionIt is very necessary for Lijiang Airport to introduce ecological important grasses which have low bird fit index. Seed maturation can be inhibited through increase of mowing frequency and spraying growth inhibitors which lead to reduction of plant height. Moreover, approaches such as drainage of accumulated water on the grassland, rolling dry surface, digging out high grasses, will contribute to further reducing vegetation suitability to birds.