Waterbird species–area relationships at Florida lakes: evaluating a lake area management threshold using citizen science data

Cameron C. 2026. Waterbird species–area relationships at Florida lakes: evaluating a lake area management threshold using citizen science data. Lake Reserv Manag. XXX–XXX. Bird species richness and lake area are highly correlated all around the world. In Florida, this relationship informs establishment of lake regulatory levels using a lake area threshold reduction of 15%, corresponding to loss of one waterbird species. This study demonstrated the efficacy of using citizen science (eBird) data to estimate waterbird species richness through comparison to professional data for 25 Florida lakes. Using eBird data for up to 721 lakes, several statistical approaches produced threshold estimates of lake surface area reduction of 10–16%. While the existing 15% threshold remains supported, a 12% threshold may be warranted for lakes with characteristics different from previous studies or for more conservative management. Methods for the use of eBird data to assess relative species richness differences, account for sampling effort, and establish regulatory thresholds may translate to other regions. While this approach considers one narrow aspect of lake ecology and should only be used as part of a suite of ecologic and hydrologic metrics, it can serve as a practical and critical backstop for lake protection.