• Revealing migration of an unknown EAAF waterbird: The Wood Snipe

    EAAFP Small Grant Fund Project by Xiaotong Ren, Peking University Shen Zhang, Shanshui Conservation Center On the remote alpine meadows of Pingwu County, Mianyang, Sichuan, China, there is a mysterious bird species that even locals rarely have a chance to see. Some of the villagers who often go to the alpine meadow said: “The call and flight of 'mud driller' (the name for Wood Snipe by local people, because it usually feeds on the ground) could be heard nearby when we stayed in huts at night. Sometimes, the sound of its flight is very strange, like there are little bells on its body, and it ‘po-po-po’ falls to the ground.” This is the Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola, Figure 1). Snipes (Gallinago spp.) are a very special group of shorebirds: unlike most "typical" shorebirds that prefer to live on muddy or sandy riverbanks and beaches, snipes tend to live in concealed wetland vegetation. The Wood Snipe is an even more distinctive species among snipes. According to historical specimen collections and birdwatching records, they appear in tropical forests near South Asia and Southeast Asia in winter but breeds in alpine meadows of the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains in summer. Figure 1. Wood Snipe at Pingwu County ©Tong Mu The mystery of Wood Snipes is largely due to the difficulty in reaching alpine meadows, combined with their secretive behavior. Basic information about the species, such as population size, complete distribution range, habitat preferences, diet, and behavior, is extremely scarce. Prior to our project, the only modern research conducted on this species was a population survey project in Nepal. Current knowledge of the species is mostly based on piecing together various historical records and sporadic birdwatching records. While we know almost nothing about basic aspects of Wood Snipes, they have already been listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, with a declining population estimated at only 2,500-9,999 individuals globally. As the Chinese proverb goes, "the beginning is always the hardest," our fieldwork started in the midst of great unknowns. Based on historical records, interviews with local residents, and valuable information from Mr. Wang of the Mianyang Birdwatching Society, we speculated that the Wood Snipes would appear in early May at their breeding ground in Pingwu County. Our advance team gathered to conduct a final recce in late April 2021 before the formal field work started. However, to everyone's surprise, the Wood Snipes had arrived before us, even though it was still snowing heavily on the mountain (Figure 2). Just as the locals had said, we didn't spot any of them until nightfall when we heard their flying and singing near our shelters. The first batch of team members quickly assembled and departed on April 30th, only several days after the recce, rushing into the formal field work stage. Figure 2: Heavy snow suddenly falls when we were searching for Wood Snipes. The snowy weather at our study area could last until the beginning of June From May 1st, we started our 2-month fieldwork on alpine meadow living at a simple and crude camp (3400m in elevation, Figure 3) without electricity and stable mobile phone signal but surrounded by Wood Snipe display every sunrise and sunset. Our objective was to investigate the population size and distribution of Wood Snipes and characterize the habitats and threats to Wood Snipes at our study area and to identify the migratory route and wintering grounds of the Wood Snipe population that breeds in the Hengduan Mountains. We conducted population size and distribution survey, preliminary observation and description of breeding biology, call survey, individual capture and banding, survey for habitat characteristics and food resource. Figure 3: Camp site in the field We recorded a total of 123 Wood Snipe occurrence sites during the field survey in 2021. We estimated there were 9 home ranges in the entire study area, each representing 1 - 2 adult individuals. We also found that across the entire alpine meadow which seemed identical to us ranging from about 3400 - 3750 m, Wood Snipes preferred lower elevation (<3600m) and median level of soil moisture. They also had a higher probability of occurrence at sites with more potential food resources (soil macroinvertebrates). We also captured and banded 7 individual Wood Snipes and successfully fitted tracking devices to them while ensuring that the weight of each tracking device was less than 5% of the corresponding individual's body weight (Figure 4). Since the tracking devices were unstable, we only had the southward migration routes for two individuals and northward migration route for one individual (Figure 5). This was the first time that the migration of this cryptic species had been revealed. Figure 4: Wood Snipe individual fitted with satellite transmitter Figure 5: Map of Wood Snipe tracking in non-breeding season. Individuals marked by colors: orange indicates south-ward migration of one individual, dark blue and light blue indicate south-ward and north-ward migration of another individual respectively Our work for Wood Snipe in 2021 is just the beginning for the study and conservation of this species and much remains to be done in the future. You could find more details in our report and future publications. Please contact us if you are interested in our project or have any questions about it. The project was funded through the 2021 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here.  


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  • Global population of Black-faced Spoonbill continues to break new record

    © Jay Kong/HKBWS Coordinated by EAAFP Partner, The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), the International Black-faced Spoonbill Census 2023 was conducted from 6th to 8th January 2023. Global population of Black-faced Spoonbills (BFSs) reaches another record high of 6,603, a rise of 7.2% (i.e. 441 individuals) from last year. However, 299 individuals were recorded in the Deep Bay area across Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which is 70 individuals less compared to last year. The number shows a decline of 11% and 19% from 2021 and 2022 respectively. Steady growth in Taiwan, Mainland China and Korea while moderate decline in Japan and almost 20% drop in Deep Bay The census covered about 130 sites all over the world. Taiwan, Mainland China and the Republic of Korea are the major regions which attribute to the growth in the overall population. Taiwan remains the largest congregation site with 4,228 individuals comprising 64% of the global population. The year-on-year growth is 10.6%. In Mainland China, 1,307 individuals and 15.1% year-on-year growth were recorded. The number comprised 20% of the global population. In Ro Korea, the number of BFS reaches 54 individuals with an increase of 45.9%, i.e. 17 individuals. Contrarily, in Japan 610 individuals are recorded which shows a decline of 10.7% from last year, i.e. 73 individuals less. The results this year shows that the global population of Black-faced Spoonbills has increased steadily. The numbers in Taiwan and Mainland China have been setting new records in recent years, which suggests the conditions in those habitats are favourable for a larger number of Black-faced Spoonbills to stay or to gather. Favourable conditions may refer to a safe environment, and sufficient food sources in nearby feeding grounds. The decline in Japan might be related to the loss of stopover sites and the outbreak of bird flu, according to local experts. In Deep Bay area, 299 individuals were recorded, which is the second lowest record in the last decade. Compared to last year, there were 70 individuals les, that is 19% decline. Having reached its record high of 462 individual in 2010, the number of BFS in Deep Bay has not advanced since then and remained above 300 from 2016 until it dropped to 299 this year. The result this year is worrying. Fig. 1 Black-faced Spoonbill Census results 1989-2023 © HKBWS Fig. 2 Black-faced Spoonbill Population size and distribution © HKBWS Fig. 3 Black-faced Spoonbill Census results regional breakdown 1989-2023 © HKBWS   The problem of habitat degradation must be confronted, and conservation should be prioritized in the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy The decline in the number of Black-faced spoonbills in Deep Bay area is alarming to Hong Kong. Black-faced Spoonbills mainly forage in the intertidal mudflats of Deep Bay, shallow waters in Gei Wai, and drained fishponds. As the Ramsar Wetland in Mai Po Inner Deep Bay is relatively adequately protected by law, these habitats can be maintained in relatively good conditions. However, the habitats outside the nature reserve are facing different threats. Without immediate measures, they may become unsuitable for Black-faced Spoonbills to loaf and feed. For instance, the expansion of mangroves, including the invasive species Sonneratia caseolaris, continues to eat up the mudflats resulting in a reduction in the habitat available to Black-faced Spoonbills. On the other hand, nearly 30% of the fishpond wetlands and the buffer zones in Deep Bay are hoarded by real estate developers or held privately. These lands have been abandoned or the land use has been altered, which continuously causes habitat degradation in the Deep Bay area. If proactive conservation and management actions are not taken immediately, there is a risk for losing these important winter habitats of the Black-faced Spoonbills’. In order to protect the Black-faced Spoonbill, many countries and cities put great effort into different conservation actions in the past 30 years, and finally the decline of the species is successfully reversed. "It is especially important to establish comprehensive protection laws, long-term conservation strategies and good land use planning, which can restore endangered species and even biodiversity around the world." Mr. Yu Yat-tung, Director of The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, continued, "The future of the Deep Bay wetlands is determined by the conservation and planning of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy. To protect the ecological integrity of this internationally important wetland, the Northern Metropolis must comply with the guidelines to protect "Wetland Conservation Area" and "Wetland Buffer Area". The wetland conservation park system must fully cover the "Inner Deep Bay and Shenzhen River catchment area" Important Bird Area recognized by BirdLife International, and ensure them to be protected by stricter laws and regulations; also a management model that is people and ecology oriented must be applied.” Hong Kong is responsible for the proper protection of wetlands and biodiversity, the maintenance of the important ecological corridors for migratory birds, and the assistance to China in fulfilling its obligations under the “Convention on Biological Diversity” and the “Convention on Wetlands”. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society hopes that the Northern Metropolis can practice "ecological priority", through proper management and conservation of the Deep Bay wetlands, turn crisis into opportunity, and maximize the benefits of bird conservation.   Fig. 4 Trend of Black-faced Spoonbill population in Deep Bay © HKBWS   About The International Black-faced Spoonbill Census Black-faced Spoonbill is listed as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The International Black-faced Spoonbill Census takes place every January ever since it was first launched in 1994. During Census 2023, more than 200 veteran birdwatchers, conservationists, researchers and ornithologists were mobilized to record the number of wintering Black-faced Spoonbills at about 130 sites. Reposting of news article from Hong Kong Bird Watching Society with permission, original article (link). Learn about EAAFP Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group: https://www.eaaflyway.net/black-faced-spoonbill-working-group/  


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  • Post-hatch survival and migratory movements of juvenile Bar-tailed Godwits in Alaska

    2022 EAAFP Small Grant Fund Project by Jesse R. Conklin Independent Researcher Satellite-transmitter deployed on Bar-tailed Godwit chick. ©Jesse Conklin   Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica are globally Near Threatened, and on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the subspecies L. l. baueri qualifies for Vulnerable status based on observed population declines and loss of staging habitat. This subspecies breeds cryptically and at low densities in remote regions of Alaska, and consequently there is little breeding-related demographic information, and essentially nothing is known about fledging success or post-fledging survival rates within Alaska or on the first southward migration. Alaska-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits have received global attention for their impressive annual migration of >30,000 km, which includes a direct trans-Pacific flight of 11,000–13,000 km from post-breeding staging grounds to non-breeding sites in New Zealand and eastern Australia, the longest non-stop flight recorded for any landbird. However, we have no information about how juvenile godwits manage this southbound journey, which is performed when they are just 3–4 months old and may represent a critical demographic bottleneck for the population. This pilot study was designed to achieve two complementary goals: (1) to gather the first data on the movements, growth, and survival of Bar-tailed Godwit chicks at the breeding grounds in Alaska, and (2) to assess the feasibility of tracking juvenile Bar-tailed Godwits on their first southbound migration by deploying satellite-transmitters on nearly-fledged birds at the breeding grounds. In collaboration with colleagues from the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Migratory Bird Division, and Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, I conducted this work in June–July 2022 near Nome, Alaska, a known breeding area for Bar-tailed Godwits. The plan was to: (1) locate young broods in or near nesting areas, (2) capture adults and chicks to deploy radio-transmitters, (3) track brood movements and recapture chicks periodically to monitor growth, and (4) deploy satellite-transmitters once chicks had grown to a sufficient size to carry them, to follow movements away from the breeding area. Apparently low local breeding success in 2022 meant that few Bar-tailed Godwit broods were available for study. However, we found seven broods and radio-tagged 1–3 chicks in five of these broods; no adults were captured and tagged. Following these broods, we collected the very first chick growth, movement, and diet data for the subspecies. Broods moved surprisingly large distances: chicks just 2–3 days old moved 200–500 m per day, and older chicks (>20 d old) moved at least 1–3 km per day, including climbing from low, wet valleys to open habitats along ridges. We followed one brood long enough to deploy 5-g solar-powered satellite-transmitters on three chicks estimated 26 days old, on 15 July. We successfully tracked one of these chicks (individual flagged ‘B6’) to the non-breeding range: this bird flew from the study area to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on 6 August, where it staged until departing on 13 October, and then flew non-stop to Tasmania, an estimated flight distance of 13,436 km in 11 days. This was the longest non-stop distance recorded for any landbird species, surpassing all previous adult migrations tracked for this species (up to ca. 13,000 km). Despite a lower-than-expected sample of godwit chicks, we consider this pilot study a successful proof of principle and methods for further research. In particular, we showed that tracking Bar-tailed Godwits on their first southward migration is feasible from the breeding grounds, and that first-time migrants are capable of making the trans-Pacific journey non-stop, as adults do. We expect study areas with higher godwit breeding density and lower topographic and vegetation diversity, such as the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, will be more profitable for future efforts to study chick growth, movement, and survival, and we will aim to follow up these preliminary efforts in the coming years.   Bar-tailed Godwit chick captured at ~20 days old ©. Photo: Dan Ruthrauff Radio-tracking Bar-tailed Godwit chicks. Photo : © Dan Ruthrauff Wing development of godwit B6 at 26 days old. ©Photo: Jesse Conklin Southbound migration track of B6 from Alaska to Tasmania. ©Image: Max Planck Institute of Ornithology, Germany   The project was funded through the 2022 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here.  


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  • Young Shorebird Ambassador Course” at Pak Thale-Laem Phak Bia Flyway Network Site, Thailand 2021-2022

    EAAFP Small Grant Fund project by Bird Conservation Society Thailand Fig. 1. Poster to promote the youth camp © Bird Conservation Society Thailand   Pak Thale-Laem Phak Bia is one of the three Flyway Network Sites (FNS) in Thailand. It is located on the coast of Phetchaburi in the Inner Gulf of Thailand. The site is internationally recognized as an important location of migratory shorebirds, most notably the globally Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, along with other globally threatened birds such as Great Knot, Spotted Greenshank, Far Eastern Curlew and Chinese Egret, which make Pak Thale-Laem Phak Bia their winter home. The site is mainly covered by salt pans, which are important roosting and feeding habitats during the high tide, when the neighbouring mud flats are covered. Salt production is also one of the main sources of income for the local communities. BCST has worked exclusively at Pak Thale-Laem Phak Bia FNS for more than 10 years. We realize the importance of preserving the saltpan landscape, both for the migratory shorebirds and for the livelihood of local communities. In 2019, BCST made a strategic land purchase, with the help of the Rainforest Trust and public crowdfunding, of 8 ha of salt pans at Pak Thale and established as “Pak Thale Nature Reserve”. The main activities at the reserve include managing habitat for shorebirds, regular shorebird monitoring, as well as awareness raising and capacity building activities for the local youth and salt farmers. Through this project, BCST would like to raise awareness among young people throughout Thailand by supporting a group of students who are passionate about producing media to learn about shorebirds and gain first-hand experience in studying the shorebirds and other related elements. This group of students will produce a set of multimedia projects which promotes the importance of shorebirds and shorebird conservation as the result of this project. To support and empower young people to communicate capacity from both urban and local groups to enhance public awareness on the importance of shorebird conservation outcomes. We developed a programme called “Young Shorebird Ambassador” to promote and to recruit young people from places in Thailand. BCST opened for applications from youth (between 15-23 years old) from all over Thailand to apply for the course as an individual or as a team (up to 3 persons) in September - October 2021. Applicants were required to write a short essay explaining how he/she thinks becoming a “Young Shorebird Ambassador” could benefit the conservation of shorebirds and propose a concept of a media project that he/she wants to produce to raise awareness of shorebird conservation. There were 3 themes of products by the ambassadors: short VDO, photography and journals and reviewed by professionals in media. Finally, BCST selected up to 10 applicants by short essays and interview to join the “Young Shorebird Ambassador Course” to be conducted both in Bangkok and Pak Thale Nature Reserve in November and December 2021. BCST held the first 2 day-workshopthrough online training due to COVID restriction, to introduce all selected applicants to the course . The main topics in the first workshop included: introduction to migratory shorebirds, Connections between shorebirds and human, Nature games to familiarize applicants to bird ecology, and basic shorebird identification. The applicants are required to develop and present their topics, concept and the types of media that they would like to produce by end of November to our mentors. The second 4 day-workshop was held at Pak Thale Nature Reserve with a stop at Khok Kham Nature Conservation Club, where BCST has a strong connection with a local conservation group that has been involved in the conservation of Spoon-billed Sandpiper for many decades. The applicants have learned through field visits and field activities at the actual site about shorebirds and the connections between shorebirds and local livelihood, particularly salt farming. During this workshop, the applicants were required to collect as many materials as needed to produce their media projects. The final project and production submission was in January-February 2022, the applicants submitted their media projects for BCST to comment on and evaluate. The final media projects of all applicants were shown at the Thailand Bird Fair 2023, an annual event by BCST to be held in late November, followed by BCST social media (Facebook, Twitter, website). This is one of VDO and photo production by our participant, Peera   © Bird Conservation Society Thailand   Fig.2. Photo exhibition banner and open ceremony on 5 Jul- 9 Sep 2022 © Bird Conservation Society Thailand   © Bird Conservation Society Thailand Fig. 3 Journals with photos by young shorebird ambassador © Bird Conservation Society Thailand Fig. 4 during the mentoring session © Bird Conservation Society Thailand   The project was funded through the 2021 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here.  


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  • Farewell to Yunjeong Choi, Programme Assistant

    In the words of Yunjeong Choi, 3rd Incheon-Hong Kong International East Asian-Australasian Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Cooperation Forum © EAAFP Secretariat   "Learning various languages requires an understanding of the cultural background of the language. As I major in French from high school and get to know classmates majoring in other languages, my strong interest in working in different regions and with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds grew. And as I double majored in Public Administration in university, I also wanted to practice my knowledge of governmental organizations and expected to gain insights into various types of organizations. My personal interest in zero waste movement and animal rights also made me apply for the job at EAAFP. When I started my internship here, I expected to improve my language and communication skills as well as my working abilities. After 6 long months as Programme Assistant, I would like to say I had an opportunity to widen and deepen my knowledge of how international organizations work, as well as to continue my willingness to environmentalism and animal rights. This internship truly was a great opportunity to train myself and learn what I wanted to contribute to the greater good of humankind. During the 6 months internship period in the EAAFP, I mainly worked in support of various events in which the Secretariat participated and coordinated international forums as well as programs. Even though I experienced coordination of events before, the scale of the event and amazing enthusiasm from the staff made me learn a lot about the overall operation of the projects.   Suncheon Bay © Yunjeong Choi   One of the most important things I have learned from the internship is understanding. At a glance, some of my works do not seem consecutive and coherent. It rather seems like a series of separate things from separate categories. However, as you continue to do the tasks, you will be able to figure out the overall process and understand how the overall process proceeds. Repeating this procedure for 6 months really helped me to interpret how certain things take place in the procedure, and what my duties are. As the Programme Team works jointly with other teams a lot, I was able to work with almost all the members of the Secretariat and got help from everyone. During the process, I learned how to communicate with different people and how to manage the work in each other’s ways. This method really helped me learn various ways to deal with work I have never done and improved my communication skills. With my understanding and knowledge of my tasks and the overall operation, I became able to understand the mechanism of international organizations and how they operate. All the staff here are very confident about their projects and what they made. Their dedication and enthusiasm towards migratory waterbirds conservation really touched me and made me continue my efforts for nature conservation. All the efforts of the EAAFP Secretariat staff would truly bring a difference to humankind and their perceptions and further to the earth. The 6 months I spent here improved me to be a better worker as well as a better person. "    


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  • Watch the award-winning movie to help conserve wetlands!

    EAAFP Foundation is pleased to invite you to the special screening of <Sura: A love Song > at CGV Incheon Yeonsu on 15 April at 10:30 am. <Sura> is a documentary about the Sura Tidal Flat, which is the last remaining tidal flat in the Saemangeum reclamation area in Ro Korea. Over the period of 30 years, area of tidal flats same as the size of two-thirds of Seoul, have been destroyed to make new dry land in Saemanguem, many migratory waterbirds, including Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, disappeared from the site Sura Tidal Flat could be reclaimed at any time to build a new military airport, but globally endangered and protected species still call it home. The movie is telling the story of a citizen who loves the birds and devoted to protect the last piece of wetland Sura. In this special screening hosted by EAAFP Foundation and BFS Eco-Center, you will see the life of the migratory waterbirds and other organisms in the Sura Tidal Flat besieged by the constant threat of reclamation and the people who are fighting for the restoration of the tidal flat. The screening will then be followed by a dialogue with the film director and a youth monitoring member and an optional, first-come, first-served, Black-faced Spoonbill (IUCN status: Endangered) birdwatching program at Namdong Reservoir in Incheon. English subtitles and interpretation will be provided. *Pre-registration is required. Synopsis: In the tidal flats dried up by reclamation projects, Dong-pil, a citizen scientist, records the remaining birds in photographs. He cannot forget the enchanting group dance of shorebirds that he saw a long time ago. Filmmaker Yun hears Dong-pil’s story and feels his fascination conveyed to her. She resumes making a documentary, which she gave up on in the past. Date: 15 April, 2023 (Sat) 10:30 am Venue: CGV Incheon Yeonsu Hall 3 Organizers: EAAFP Foundation, <Sura> producers, BFS Eco-Center Registration: Scan the QR code or follow the link [https://forms.gle/gMtJpVAxUaeQxoFy5] Registration Deadline: 14 April 2023 Entry fee: KRW 24,000 (*Part of the fee will be donated for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats and for making the small gifts for the participants) Souvenirs for the participants     Program   Contact: EAAFP Foundation (foundation@eaaflyway.net | 032-458-6507) [Korean version] [관객이 만드는 특별시사회: 당신의 수라는 무엇입니까?]에 초대합니다 (인천연수 CGV, 4/15)  간척으로 말라버린 갯벌에서, 시민과학자 동필은 남아있는 새들을 사진으로 기록한다. 그는 오래전 보았던 도요새의 군무를 잊지 못하고 그리워한다. 영화감독 윤은 동필의 이야기를 듣고 매혹이 전이되는 것을 느낀다. 그녀는 과거에 포기했던 영화를 다시 만들기 시작한다.  인간과 동물의 공생을 모색하고 환경 생태 운동에 지속적인 관심을 두어온 황윤 감독이 운명처럼 ‘새만금의 도시’ 군산으로 이사를 갔다. 십수 년 전 새만금척사업으로 갯벌에 관한 영화를 찍다가 덮었던 그였다. <수라>는 20여년간 활동을 이어온 새만금시민생태조사단과 걸음을 같이하며 갯벌의 아름다움을 재발견하는 과정을 담았다. 여기에는 내셔널지오그래픽 영상을 능가하는 미려한 이미지들로 가득하다. 감독은 카메라 뒤가 아니라 프레임 안에서 그걸 지켜본다. 친밀하고 진솔한 1인칭 보이스오버를 따라 수라 갯벌의 작고 아름다운 생명체들을 보는 일은 분명 경이로운 경험이지만, 영화는 남아있는 것들에서 어떤 시급함, 절박함도 보길 요청한다. 마지막 씬의 장관, ‘도요새의 군무’가 잊기 힘든 이유이기도 하다.  출처: 네이버 영화 줄거리  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  재단법인 EAAFP, 영화<수라> 제작진, 저어새 생태학습관이 함께 주최하는 <수라> 특별시사회가 4월 15일 인천연수 CGV에서 열린다.  시사회는 영화관람 후 관객과의 대화와 별도의 사전신청이 필요한 저어새 탐조 프로그램으로 진행될 예정이다. 영문자막과 통역이 제공되므로 누구나 참여 및 연사들과 소통할 수 있다.  <수라> 특별시사회는 사전신청자에 한해 참여가능하다. 사전신청을 마친 신청자에게 신청 확정 이메일이 발송되며, 4월 14일까지 신청 가능하다.  일시: 2023년 4월 15일(토) 오전 10:30  주최: 영화<수라>제작진, 재단법인EAAFP, 저어새생태학습관  장소: 인천연수CGV 3관  참가비: 24,000원/ 만18세미만 18,000원 (*참가비 일부는 기념품 증정 및 이동성 물새와 서식지 보전을 위해 재단법인EAAFP에 기부됩니다./ 참가비 전액 기부금 영수증 발행)  등록: QR코드 스캔 또는 아래 신청하기 버튼 클릭 후 구글 폼 제출(~4/14)  프로그램: 영화관람, 관객과의 대화, 조류생태환경프로그램 (영문자막 및 통역 제공)  문의: 재단법인EAAFP (foundation@eaaflyway.net | 032) 458-6507)  재단법인EAAFP 정기기부자들께는 좌석 우선선택권과 조류생태환경프로그램 등록 우선권의 혜택이 주어집니다.    신청하기  영문포스터 보기  예고편 보기  감독인사말 보기 


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  • Farewell to Doug Watkins, Chief Executive of EAAFP Secretariat

    Mr. Doug Watkins at the EAAFP Secretariat © EAAFP Secretariat Today is the last working of Mr. Doug Watkins, Chief Executive of EAAFP Secretariat. Below is a farewell message from Doug. “It’s just over 3 years that I have had the pleasure of working with the Secretariat team to support the EAAF Partners with the implementation of the EAAFP Strategic Plan. With the successful convening of MOP11, delayed because of Covid, it’s now time for a new Chief Executive to step up. The Secretariat has an excellent team with Hyeseon Do as Senior Programme Officer, Vivian Fu, Senior Communications Officer; Hyojung Yoo the Finance Officer (seconded from Incheon Metropolitan), Yoon Kyung Lee as External Relations Manager (currently on maternity leave) and Yeonhee Ahn as Deputy (also seconded from Incheon Metropolitan). The Secretariat also has several additional staff (Yeonah Ku, Jisun Lee) on contract and several interns that work in the various teams. Covid had a significant impact on how the Secretariat worked for the Partners. It limited international travel and in response the Secretariat greatly increase its use of the internet to convene online meetings. The Flyway Site Network of internationally important sites for migratory waterbirds forms core of the work of the EAAFP. The Site Network has now grown to 152 sites in 19 countries of the Flyway. However, there are hundreds of additional internationally important wetlands for migratory waterbirds in the EAAFP. I encourage Partners to identify additional wetland sites to be nominated for the Flyway Site Network. The Secretariat has taken an active role in providing input to the development by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) called “Regional Flyway Initiative”. This initiative will enable the EAAFP Government Partners (in eligible countries) to implement actions for the conservation on internationally important wetlands for migratory waterbirds. These activities will not only address the ecology of the sites, but also address the interactions of local communities that depend on these wetlands.”   Mr. Robb Kaler, Immediate past Chair of EAAFP delivered his tribute to Doug for his leadership to the EAAFP.   “Doug has over 30 years of international experience in working on migratory waterbirds and wetland conservation in our flyway and his extensive knowledge and enormous list of contacts across the Flyway have made him a key player. Doug was one of the original team working with the Australian Government towards the development of the EAAFP concept as a Type II initiative during the World Summit of Sustainable Development in 2002, which later officially established the EAAFP in 2006. Doug’s involvement in the Flyway began while working for the Australasian Wader Study Group (AWSG) from 1993 to 1995. Doug then moved on wearing the hat of Wetlands International between 1995 and 2013. Following his role with Wetlands International, Doug worked with Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) secretariat as EAAF Coordinator for its Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative (AMBI) between 2018 and 2019. Doug’s involvement in the Partnership ranges from Chair of EAAFP Monitoring Task Force, past Chair of Yellow Sea Task Force to being a member of the Management Committee and he was instrumental in the drafting the EAAFP Strategic Plans including the latest Strategic Plan 2019-2028. Doug’s strong experience and management of a diverse group of partners has been crucial to the implementation of the EAAFP’s 10-year strategic plan. Doug worked hard to align and promote activities in the Flyway to address points laid out in the plan. The 32-page Secretariat report is a testimony to the outstanding work that Doug and the Secretariat staff, including the Science Unit. Thanks to Doug leading the EAAFP Secretariat and the Partnership since 2019, we have a bright future. Please join me in thanking Doug for his amazing contributions to the Flyway Partnership, both as the Chief Executive, as well as all of his work prior to joining the Secretariat. I am hoping that like many others that have left leadership roles in the Flyway, that have a tendency to continue to show up at these MOPs where they continue to provide invaluable contributions. I look forward to our paths crossing in the future.” The Secretariat is working on the process of new CE recruitment. The staff at the Secretariat will maintain the work for the EAAFP with support from Management Committee.


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  • Summary of interim results of Shorebird Hunting Impact Assessment Project: northern part of EAAF in North-East of Russia (2019-2021)

    EAAFP Small Grant Fund project by Konstantin B. Klokov, Saint-Petersburg State University & Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) RAS; Aleksandr I.Matsyna, Working Group on Shorebirds of Northern Eurasia   The first approach to assessment of hunting pressure on shorebirds in selected areas of the Kamchatka Peninsula, with special focus on the Far-Eastern Curlew. Moscow – Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 2019. By Konstantin B. Klokov, Yuri N. Gerasimov, Kamchatka Branch of Pacific Institute of Geography FED RAS/BirdsRussia Kamchatka Branch, Evgeny Syroechkovskiy Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russian Federation/Birds Russia, Russia, with contribution from: Sergey Kharitonov, Russian Bird Ringing Centre IPEE RAN Rus Acad Sci., Anton Ivanov, Working Group on Shorebirds on Northern Eurasia, Dmitriy Dorofeev, All-Russian Research Institute for Nature Conservation. The assessment of hunting pressure on shorebirds in Sakhalin Island, with special focus on the Far-Eastern Moscow - Nizhniy Novgorod – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 2020. By Aleksandr I.Matsyna, Working Group on Shorebirds of Northern Eurasia, Matsyna Ekaterina L., Working Group on Shorebirds of Northern Eurasia, Konstantin B. Klokov, Evgeny E. Syroechkovskiy, with contribution from: Sergey Kharitonov, Zoia V.Reviakina, Working Group on Shorebirds of Northern Eurasia, Vladimir B. Zykov, Working Group on Shorebirds of Northern Eurasia. Evaluation of hunting pressure of shorebirds in the Russian Far East with special attention to Numenius (Curlews, Whimbrels) and other threatened species - Stage III: surveys in Khabarovskiy Krai and Amur oblast’. Moscow - Nizhniy Novgorod - Khabarovsk – Blagoveshchensk, 2021. By Aleksandr Matsyna, Vladimir Pronkevich, Institute of Water and Ecology Problems, Ekaterina L. Matsyna, Anton A. Sasin, Blagoveshchensk, Konstantin Klokov, Evgeny E. Syroechkovskiy, with contribution from Sergey Kharitonov.   INTRODUCTION Conservation of Arctic migratory bird is based on holistic approach, which treated together all species' habitats within its annual life cycle. Arctic-breeding migratory birds are a significant component of both Arctic culture and ecosystem health. Many of them require special attention of researchers as they are among the rare and endangered species or the game resources. The protection of Arctic migratory birds, as well as the issues of sustainable use of their resources (concerning game species) are complicated because Arctic-breeding birds use different flyways to move from Arctic breeding grounds to overwintering or stopover sites at lower latitudes. Migration routes from breeding areas in the eastern part of Russian Arctic to overwintering and stopover sites follow mainly the western coast of the Pacific Ocean and cross 22 Asian countries. The sum of these routes is defined as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). The EAAF is the most species-rich of the world’s nine major flyways. In addition, the EAAF has the highest proportion of declining at an unprecedented rate waterbird populations, especially shorebirds. Of the 63 populations of 52 migratory species of shorebirds migrating this way, 20 populations of 17 species may become extinct or approach extinction in the near future if no measures are taken [1, 2, 3]. Over the past 30 years, this problem has attracted the attention of many ornithologists and conservationists. The main reason for the decline in EAAF shorebirds populations is the reduction of the main habitats: coastal and inland wetlands [4, 5]. Hunting is also perceived as a medium-or high-level threat, but it is difficult to assess its scale due to poor knowledge of the issue [6, 7]. The Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative (AMBI) was started by CAFF in 2015, and aims to improve the conservation status and secure the long-term sustainability of declining of Arctic-breeding migratory birds through flyway-level cooperation with Arctic and non-Arctic countries and partners. AMBI is working across four major flyways to engage global partners on the issue of bird and habitat conservation, including the mitigation of harmful anthropogenic actions and hunting. AMBI Work Plan objective 3 states to prevent illegal hunting and regulate unsustainable legal harvest of Arctic migratory birds along the EAAF, with a focus on Spoon-billed Sandpiper (SBS), Lesser White-fronted Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit, and other priority species. Action 3.1 initiates surveys of hunting pressure on Arctic-breeding shorebirds in stopover areas in the North-East of Russia, including Chukotka, Kamchatka, Sakhalin and mainland coasts of Sea of Okhotsk [8]. Implementation of these activities was started in 2019 by BirdsRussia in cooperation with Working Group on Waders on Northern Eurasia. It is the first project focused on the assessment of hunting pressure on Arctic shorebirds in Russia. The main aim is to reveal the territories of the largest hunting bag of shorebirds and specify the dates (season) of hunting there first of all for priority East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership species of shorebirds (waders): Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Black-tailed Godwit and Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus). Special attention is paid to Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), which is the most popular shorebird target species for legal hunting in the Russian Far East as well as to the most important endangered species: Far Eastern Curlew, Godwit, SBS, etc 1.PROJECT GOAL AND OBJECTIVES The main goal of the project is to assess shorebird hunting pressure in the northern part of the EAAF in the north-east of Russia. The project is focused on shorebird species prioritised by the EAAFP. Special attention was focused on Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel and SBS. Whimbrel is a popular species for legal hunting in the Far East of Russia and hunting has a significant impact on the number of this species. Far Eastern Curlew is included in the list of globally threatened species (IUCN Red List) and is critically endangered in Australia. In Russia it is a protected species, included in the Red Data book. Nevertheless, hunters quite frequently harvest Far Eastern Curlew together with Whimbrel due to misidentification and often do it on purpose as for many hunters it is the most wanted game among all the shorebird species because of its large size. Both species are understudied and when the opportunity presents itself we fill the knowledge gaps about them, their conservation and use. SBS is a critically endangered species, one of the rarest shorebirds in Russia and in the world. An important goal of the project is to identify modern and historic population trends of different species and ecological groups of shorebirds under hunting pressure (both legal and illegal bird harvest) as well as other factors. Thus, the following objectives had to be attained: Identify main shorebird staging sites during migration where they are subject to intensive hunting Compare the timing of hunting seasons with the timing of migration and stop- overs of different shorebird species, identify the most vulnerable Estimate the number of shorebird hunters in different areas of the Russian Far East, including hunters on large-sized, medium-sized and small-sized Inspect model settlements (villages and small towns), including interviews, anonymous questionnaires and direct observation of hunting processes within the project time- Assess the feasibility and attempt to organize online anonymous Give an estimate of an average number of shorebirds harvested by one hunter in different regions of the Russian Far Calculate an estimate of shorebird harvest in different regions of the Russian Far using expert assessment and, where possible, extrapolation, in particular to give an approximate estimate for large and small-sized shorebird harvest and for the most important species, if A separate task is to develop and refine the research methods of assessing the hunting pressure on shorebirds in the Far This is a pioneer line of research started practically from scratch. Methods are improved every year. 2.METHODOLOGY The methodology is based on the waterfowl hunting estimation experience in the eastern part of Russian Arctic. It was developed by E.E. Syroechkovsky and K.B. Klokov and used in 1999–2006 to make an estimation of bird harvest in 22 villages of Chukotka and northern Yakutia located near the sea coast [9]. We slightly changed this method in connection to the fact that, unlike waterfowl, shorebirds are not the main object of hunting. According to our methodology the survey of each village includes two steps. First, an in-depth interview with 2–3 experts takes place to identify at a qualitative level the general picture of the way how shorebird hunting occurs at this place and how important it is for local hunters. As a result of the interview we learned about the bigger picture of shorebird hunting in the village. The second step was the survey using anonymous questionnaires, which were filled by hunters themselves. The questionnaire was made as short as possible because each extra question increases the possibility that the hunter would think the questionnaire is too complicated and would not want to waste time completing it. The main part of hunters does not distinguish species of shorebirds. Therefore, in anonymous questionnaires, we mostly do not use names of shorebird species, but ask hunters to divide the harvested shorebirds into the following groups: Whimbrel, which is very popular and well known to Russian Far East hunters, other big-sized shorebirds except Whimbrel, medium-sized shorebirds, small-sized In addition, we asked to list the species of harvested shorebirds, if the hunter knows them, but only a few of respondents did this. Sampling. Since it was not possible to create a random sample, we used two methods: Asked hunters to fill out a questionnaire at the time when they visited the office of the hunting society in order to return a seasonal hunting permit. This method was mainly used the help of employees of the hunting societies. However, it was not possible to use it in all The Snowball Method, when each hunter, filling out a questionnaire, gave the contact details of one or more other hunters. This method gives good results in small Apart from the survey of hunters in settlements, we conducted a direct observation of the hunting process with visual inspection of the hunters' harvest at the model plots. This allowed to identify species and species ratio of shorebirds and other birds harvested there. The advantage of the direct observations of hunters at the model plots was the possibility to observe the hunting process, conduct a significantly higher number of informal interviews with hunters and visually inspect their harvest, which allowed to identify species of harvested shorebirds, which hunters themselves did not know. 3.SURVEYED REGIONS Survey on the impact of various aspects of hunting on the population and numbers of shorebirds in the Russian Far East has been carried out for three years. During this period four regions have been surveyed (fig. 1). Figure 1: Regions of the Russian Far East surveyed in 2019-2021 as part of the Shorebird Hunting Impact Assessment Project: 4 - Amur Oblast, 5 - Khabarovsk Krai, 7 - Sakhalin Oblast, 10 - Kamchatka Krai Regions proposed for survey in the nearest years: 8 - Magadan Oblast, 6 - Primorskiy Krai, 1 - Republic of Buryatia and 2 - Zabaykalskiy Krai; Regions for prospective studies: 3 - Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), 9 - Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Kamchatka. Here, in 2019, the methodology of material collection was tested and perfected. It was based on anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed through the hunting organization service. A total of 400 questionnaires were collected. For the first time, the number of harvested shorebirds of two size groups, large/medium and small species, was estimated for this region (Table 1). Table 1. Estimation of number of harvested shorebirds in Kamchatka in 2019   Sakhalin Oblast, survey 2020. Sakhalin Island is one of the most populated and developed regions of the Russian Far East and a very important migration area for many shorebird species. There are many hunters here and many places with high concentrations of shorebirds. On Sakhalin we have conducted many interviews and informal discussions with hunters. This allowed us to determine the level of harvesting of different shorebird species more accurately (Table 2). Total amount of shorebird harvested on Sakhalin was even higher than on Kamchatka! Particularly alarming was an unexpectedly high level of harvesting of Far Eastern Curlew. While in Kamchatka hunters shot it mainly due to ignorance and confusion with Whimbrel, on Sakhalin this species is a prestigious trophy for many hunters. Table 2. Expert assessment of yearly harvest of shorebirds in the Sakhalin oblast based on the survey results * - number of harvested birds varies depending on the Whimbrel population number fluctuation from year to year ** - harvest is underestimated as survey data does not fully reflect the shorebird harvest in several districts of Sakhalin island Khabarovsk Krai, survey 2021. Hunting here has a large impact on shorebirds in the areas adjacent to the Sea of Okhotsk. Species such as Great Knot, Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, and others are regularly and in considerable numbers shot there. We also recorded incidental harvesting of the SBS in Okhotsk. Hunters do not distinguish between species of shorebirds and usually shoot in flocks. The Far Eastern Curlew is less harvested here than on Sakhalin. Hunters shot it mainly in central part of Khabarovsk Krai and in the valley of Amur River (Table 3). Table 3. Estimation of number of yearly harvested shorebirds in Khabarovsk Krai Amur Oblast, survey 2021. Shorebird hunting is less developed here, as there are no large migratory concentrations of shorebirds. Nevertheless, the Far Eastern Curlew is threatened here as well. This species is most often hunted either in spring, during duck hunting, either by poachers. Table 4. Estimation of number of yearly harvested shorebirds in Amur Oblast Our project enabled us to obtain, for the first time, information on the scale of shorebird hunting in the Russian Far East. This is their great value. For a number of areas, such as the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in Khabarovsk Krai and the coast of Western Sakhalin, additional research is needed as our level of knowledge about these areas remains insufficient. We envisage, if circumstances permit, to continue surveys in the remaining regions of the Far East: the Magadan Oblast (survey has been planned for autumn 2022), Primorskiy Krai and also Yakutia. 1.SPECIES AND GROUP OF SPECIES Let us consider briefly the results of the project in Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Khabarovsk Territory and Amur Oblast for selected shorebird species and groups of species. Far Eastern Curlew As the interviews show, hunters while hunting the Whimbrel often do shoot large shorebirds, including Far Eastern Curlews, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits. Some hunters do not know the right name of the species, though many of them are aware of them. Here we should distinguish between “proper poaching”, when hunters do it on purpose – they shoot all large shorebirds that have come close to them (the case common for some districts in Sakhalin Island), and "accidental poaching", when hunters shoot Far Eastern Curlews by mistake. The main reason for the error is the fact that young Curlews have a shorter bill than adult ones (similar to the Whimbrel’s bill), and hunters confuse these two species. The total number of harvested Far Eastern Curlew in all surveyed regions of the Far East, according to our estimates, may amount to more than 2 000 birds per year (table 5). In Kamchatka and partly on Sakhalin, hunters shoot it mostly occasionally when hunting Whimbrel during their southward migration. In Khabarovsk Krai and Amur Oblast, it is harvested mainly in spring, in breeding grounds (fig. 2). Table 5. Estimation of number of yearly harvested Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) in different region of Russian Far East Figure 2. Areas of the highest probability of shooting on Far Eastern Curlew during the breeding and migration periods (highlighted by shading) Whimbrel As our calculations showed, the total number of Whimbrels shot in Kamchatka is about 37,000 per year. This is a very large number compared to published estimates [1, 2], where the total EAAF population of the Whimbrel is supposed to be about 55,000 birds. Considering that Whimbrels besides Kamchatka are also harvested in other regions, our results suggest that the flyway population estimate of 55,000 birds for Whimbrel is significantly lower than in reality. Published observations of Whimbrel concentrations in the several staging places [10, 11, 12, 13] and our long-term observations [14, 15] in Kamchatka also confirm this. We believe that hunters of Kamchatka and Sakhakin are making the greatest impact on the Whimbrel population on the flyway. In addition, our work has confirmed the disproportionate hunting pressure on the northern population of Whimbrel migrating via Sakhalin. In contrast to Kamchatka, where numbers of the species remain stable, significant fluctuations in abundance have been observed on Sakhalin. This indicates a perennial depression of the species in the region as a result of disproportionate hunting pressure. This is particularly dangerous when combined with the major transformation of these birds' natural habitats by oil and gas developments in northern Sakhalin. But need to survey all other parts of the flyway to verify these conclusions. Small and medium-sized shorebirds Small- and medium-sized shorebirds are not actually object of purposeful hunting. Many of them are not game species in Russia, which are not supposed to be shot. According to informal interviews, hunters shoot them not so often. Small and medium-sized shorebirds are mainly harvested: by children and teenagers, who do not have an official right to hunt but whose parents want to train them as hunters; in the absence of other game, in order not to return home empty-handed; by some gourmet hunters who love cooking and eating small shorebird soup considered a Reporting on the number of harvested small shorebirds in the anonymous questionnaires, hunters never identify species. As the interviews showed, hunters save cartridges and usually harvest small and medium-sized shorebirds by shooting dense flocks, often consisting of several species, often including rare ones. Such hunting results in a big number of wounded birds that die later and a significant number of killed birds that remain unrecovered. The total mortality of birds is likely 2-3 times higher than the number of birds used by hunters. So, the number of shot small shorebirds may be assessed as nearly two- fold as compared with the data from the questionnaires. Thus, in Kamchatka, according to the anonymous questionnaires in 2019, 14.3 % of hunters shot small-sized shorebirds. The average bag in all Kamchatka was 2.2 birds a year for one hunter. The total number of harvested birds calculated by extrapolation was more than 6000. More than half of the birds were harvested in western districts (Sobolevsky and Tigil’sky districts), where the average hunters bag per year is 10 small shorebirds. In the other regions it was less than 2 birds per year. In Sakhalin small shorebirds have a special place in the hunting practice. They are regularly harvested, either incidentally, as a rule when there is no other game, either intentionally. There are firmly fixed collective terms for this groups of birds – "galushki" or "pelmeni" in the local lingo. They are traditionally used for cooking shurpa, a thick broth with fowl and vegetables. As a rule, there is at least one enthusiast in each group of hunters, who can always harvest and cook this birds. During our survey different examples of easy and fruitful hunting were given: "60 birds with one cartridge", "a basin with two cartridges", "a dozen with one shot" and others. Even with the adjustment for a known tendency to exaggerate the result, this information is unfortunately proved by our observations. For example, on August 30 2020, 12 Dunlins were harvested with one shot by a hunter who was barely 10 years old. In September at the Odoptu bay (Northern Sakhalin) we observed two hunters who fired 5 shots on dense flocks of small shorebirds in 15 minutes and left, collecting a whole bag of game. Inspecting this territory half an hour later, we found 6 other shot Dunlins, among which were wounded birds hiding in the grass. Incidental harvest of small and medium-sized shorebirds as a rule is not a memorable experience for hunters and that is why many of them give a negative answer when the question about the harvest of these birds is first asked. Therefore, remotely completed questionnaires often provide underestimated data. But during a conversation, when they are asked clarifying questions, almost all the hunters remember doing it incidentally, in passing, and only cases of a massive harvest are imprinted in memory with figures of speech, such as "half a bucket in one go". In a number of cases we were informed that these birds may not be used for food but are thrown away if hunters take more desirable game. Spoon-billed Sandpiper Spoon-billed Sandpiper currently remains one of the most endangered bird species in the world. It has a narrow nesting range in the coastal tundras of the Chukotka peninsula. IUCN international conservation status of this species is "Critically Endangered". Sakhalin plays an important role for migratory stopovers of this species. SBS was registered here by many researchers during spring and autumn migration. Unfortunately, main SBS sighting sites in Sakhalin fully coincide with the sites of active shorebird hunting. To harvest shorebirds, hunters most often shoot dense flying flocks consisting of several species, in which SBSs usually move as well. Thus, they can become victim of any such shot. Clearly, taking into account low population of SBS in total, we are far from knowing all its traditional staging sites. It is a cause for concern that during autumn migration coinciding with autumn hunting season, SBS's sightings on the shores of Sakhalin are most dispersive and the birds could potentially end up in any place where they will be shot. In our 2020 research we did not have an opportunity to look further into this topic but now we know of many districts where there is hunting pressure in the known SBS staging sites. Monitoring and special research should be conducted in several districts of Sakhalin, important for the declining population of SBS. Seasonal protection should be introduced in a number of such sites so that there is no hunting there. We know about the shot of SBS in all of the study areas along the Sea of Okhotsk - Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and Khabarovsk (fig. 3). All known cases were incidental. The birds were killed in flocks of small shorebirds. This hunt is most common not only in northern Sakhalin, but also in several districts of Khabarovsk Krai, namely Nikolayevsky, Tuguro-Chumikansky, and Okhotsk districts. The probability of shooting of SBS in the northern part of western Kamchatka coast is supported by the fact that signal transmission from three of the nine birds with radio transmitters stopped sending signal from this area [10]. The only way to influence the local population in all these areas is to carry out long-term work to educate hunters, convincing them not to shoot indiscriminately at flocks of birds. Our project has been successful in doing this, but it needs to be continued on a much larger scale. Figure 3. Areas of the highest probability of shooting on SBS during seasonal migrations (highlighted by red points) 5.CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Arctic breeding migratory birds are in significant declines in several regions, and due to the flyway- level movement of migratory birds, a large flyway-level conservation approach is needed to improve their population status. Our study of Arctic-nesting shorebirds hunting is the first significant research in this direction. It allowed to get the first idea of shorebirds hunting in Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Khabarovsk and Amur areas. To obtain a complete picture along the northern end of EAAF, it is necessary to conduct similar studies in all other regions of the Russian Far East and Russian Arctic. As well, hunting assessment and monitoring in the four regions already surveyed should be continued in order to be able to monitor the hunting process and to get more detailed data. The results of our survey clearly showed that hunting of shorebirds in the North-East of Russia (most northern part of EAAF) may negatively impact Arctic shorebird populations especially threatened species. Hunting of protected shorebirds is often the reason of low level of awareness of hunters and lack ability to distinguish between shorebird species. Awareness raising and education must be improved. Hunting for small-sized shorebirds in North-East of Russia has declined significantly over the past 40 years, however it still remains an additional threat to the conservation of the rare protected species, including SBS. Although our study filled a significant gap, the available data on shorebirds hunting in the Russian North-East is still completely insufficient to propose and justify an effective Arctic shorebird conservation program. The methodology used by us gave acceptable results. It can be used in other regions of the Russian Far East and Arctic. However, for a quantitative assessment of the harvesting of rare species it should be supplemented with other methods. Hunting control in the all North-East of Russia, is weak. For shorebird conservation special education activities are much needed not only for hunters but as well for wildlife officers. Since hunters often shoot protected shorebirds because of their inability to identify species and lack of knowledge on the protection status. As well, hunting inspectors cannot control this process because they also can’t identify many species of birds. These activities can be conducted together with hunter societies and regional hunting agency. As we learned during our research, hunting societies are open to such activities. But they have limited resources. Significant part of hunters are really interesting to know species which they are harvesting. But there is no place where they can learn. The publication of a field guide of shorebirds of the Russian Far East is really very important for improving the level of knowledge of hunters and hunting officers. Effective conservation of shorebirds requires significantly more data on hunting bag. First of all, we need full information on all regions of Russian Far East in order to get a complete picture along the entire flyway. Secondly, it is necessary to move from a single survey to monitoring of the harvest year by year. 6.PERSPECTIVES FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Our research showed that hunting in the Far East of Russia is probably a more significant factor in the population decline of several shorebird species along the EAAF than it was previously believed. That is why international collaboration to assess hunting pressure should be continued, including activities under EAAFP, partnership with AMBI-CAFF and interactions with bilateral conventions. Based on the full inventory of knowledge about hunting in all the regions of the Russian Far East, it is necessary to conduct further research, organise monitoring and implement conservation programs. We need consider perspectives for further research, first of all, in four new regions. Magadan Oblast. This is an active waterfowl and shorebird hunting area. We expect to conduct detailed surveys here in autumn 2022, and obtain information which will help better understand the scale of harvesting of small-sized shorebirds in this area and the probability of SBS loses, as well as the situation with the catastrophic decline of the Whimbrel on Sakhalin. Primorsky Krai. The south of Primorskiy Krai, including the Lowland around the Khanka lake, is an important region for shorebirds. During migrations, many rare species stop here, including Far Eastern Curlew, Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer), SBS and others. Assessment of the impact of hunting on these species is very important. These two regions should be surveyed first. Figure 4 shows the main flyways of Dunlin. The same flyways are followed by most of the other shorebirds (especially small ones) in the Sea of Okhotsk area. On this map (fig. 4) we can see that Magadan Oblast and Primorsky Krais are located along these flyways. This is also confirmed by the map presented in our report for 2019 (fig. 5), based on data from the Russian Ringing Centre and other sources. The map shows human settlements and main areas of shorebirds hunting located only on the sea coast. Figure 4. Main northward (A) and southward (B) flyways of Dunlins in the Sea of Okhotsk region [11]In the future, it would be advisable to extend the observation area and survey three inland regions as well: Zabaikalskiy Krai and Republic of Buryatia (Transbaikalia). This is an important migratory area with rather large and long stopovers of shorebirds on inland water bodies. There is no evaluation of hunting pressure on shorebirds in this regions. Yakutia. Sakha (Yakutia) Republic is the largest administrative region of Russia. Both amateur and commercial hunting is developed here. According to data of Russian Ringer Center there are many shorebird rings recovery from this region. Despite its huge surface there are road and river transport network, which will allow to organize visits to o necessary districts with shorebird hunting activities. Besides new regions, the continuation of research in several districts on the coast of Sea of Okhotsk in the Khabarovsk Krai as well as in several districts on Sakhalin Island (Ohinsky and Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky districts are highly desirable. The coast of the Sea of Okhotsk is one of the least ornithologically investigated areas of the mainland coast, where important shorebird concentration sites during autumn migration are concentrated and hunting pressure is high. Figure 5. Human settlements located at the seacoast of the Russian Far East and main areas of shorebirds hunting identified from data of rings recoveries of Russian ringer centre, published sources and unpublished knowledge of Russian ornithologists South-western coast of Sakhalin is important area for the nesting and migration of shorebirds but very poorly studied. The most important of its bays (Tyk, Viakhtu, the Lakh river estuary) are lacking data on the number and species composition on stopovers. This is the place where SBS stops for a long time (Qing, Syroechkovskiy et al, 2020) and where the largest of known habitats of Nordmann's Greenshank remain. All of these regions, with the exception of Zabaikalskiy Krai and Republic of Buryatia, are located within the breeding range of the Far Eastern Curlew. Continued research will provide new information on the current abundance of the species, its dynamics and threats. The coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in Magadan Oblast and Primorsky Krai is also important for migrations of other rare species of shorebirds in the region - SBS, Spotted Greenshank, Little Curlew (Numenius minutus). The continuation of this project is currently the only opportunity to obtain valuable information for the development of the conservation strategy for these species. Another important argument for continuing the initiated project is the active involvement of specialists from various regions of the Far East. Their attention to the question of the hunting pressure on shorebirds opens a new perspective on the role of anthropogenic pressure in the condition of rare and as yet common species of birds. And it also helps to lobby the interests of nature conservation through a constructive dialogue with the authorities. Acknowledgments The project was supported by Karl Kaus Fondation, The East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership, Australian Government, the Australian State Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung and UNEP/CMS. Russian Bird Ringing Centre provided data on shorebirds ring recoveries. The Forestry and Wildlife Protection Agencies of Kamchatskiy and Khabarovskiy Krais and Amur Oblast, Ministry of Forestry and Hunting of Sakhalin oblast provided logistics help and data on the number of hunters and hunting permits issued. We acknowledge employees of these agencies, as well as the experts and consultants who provided valuable information on the population, distribution and harvesting of shorebirds in Russian Far East. References Bamford M et al 2008 Migratory shorebirds of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway: Population estimates and internationally important sites (Canberra: Wetlands International – Oceania) Conklin J R et 2014 Prioritizing migratory shorebirds for conservation action on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (Hong Kong) Pearce-Higgins J W et al 2017 A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesizing expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds Bird Conservation International 27 (1) p 6–34 Melville D S et al 2016 Shorebirds along the Yellow Sea coast of China face an uncertain future: A review of threats Emu 11 p 100–110 Studds C E et al 2017 Rapid population decline in migratory shorebirds relying on Yellow Sea tidal mudflats as stopover sites Nature Communications 8 14895 Naves L C et al 2019 Shorebird subsistence harvest and indigenous knowledge in Alaska: Informing harvest management and engaging users in shorebird conservation The Ornotholodgical applications 121 p 1–19 Cajiao E J W et al 2020 Extent and potential impact of hunting on migratory shorebirds in the Asia-Pacific Biological Conservation 246 p 1–12 CAFF Congress 2018 MB5: Worldwide partnerships to conserve migratory birds: The Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative Available from: https://www.caff.is/arctic-migratory-birds- initiative-ambi [Accessed 8th October 2021] Syroetchkovskiy E E and Klokov K B 2010 Using questionnaire method to study the impact of hunting on waterfowl in the Russian Arctic Cazarka 13 p 76-103 Gerasimov Yu N 1998 Spring migration of waders in the mouth of Bolshaya River (West Kamchatka) Ornithology 28 p 222 Huettmann F and Gerasimov Yu 2002 Using Sampling to obtain density estimates for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) and other birds in the coastal tundra of the Moroshechnaya River Spit, Sea of Okhotsk, during fall migration Avian Ecology and Behavior 8 p 49–69 Schuckard R F et al 2006 Shorebird and Gull Census at Moroshechnaya Estuary, Kamchatka, Far East Russia, During August 2004 Stilt 50 p 34-46 Gerasimov Yu N et al 2019 Some results of studying the summer-autumn migration of waders on the Bolshaya Vorovskaya River Lagoon, Western Kamchatka Topical issues of studying waders of Northern Eurasia. Materials of the XI International conference (Minsk) p 15-19 Gerasimov Yu N and Gerasimov N N 2002 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus on Kamchatka, Russia Stilt 41 p 48-54 Gerasimov N N and Gerasimov Yu N 2014 Study of migration of waterfowl and shorebirds of Kamchatka Materials International scientific conference “Areas, migrations and other movements wild animals” (Vladivostok, Russia) p 52-61 Qing Ch et al 2020 Post-breeding migration of adult Spoon-billed Sandpiper Wader study 127 (3) p 200-209. Tiunov I.M., Yu.N. Gerasimov & A.I. Matsyna 2018. Seasonal migrations of the Dunlin Calisdis alpina in the Sea of Okhotsk region // The biology and conservation of the birds of Kamchatka 11: 25-48. (In Russian).   The project was funded through the 2019-2020 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here (2019, 2020).  


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  • Not a Threat: How Vegetation Expansion affecting the pattern of Habitat Used by Migratory Waterbirds at Pantai Cemara, Jambi

    EAAFP Small Grant Fund Project by Cipto Dwi Handono EKSAI Foundation Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) recorded at Pantai Cemara, Jambi during this research (November 2021) © Cipto Dwi Handono   In 2021 EKSAI Foundation received a small grant fund from the EAAFP to evaluate the potential threat of vegetation expansion on the mudflat of Pantai Cemara, Jambi. From the monitoring in 2020, EKSAI Foundation recorded a massive growth of Ipomoea sp., that later identified as Ipomoea pes-carpae together with a decrease of migratory waterbirds number at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. From 4 days of monitoring and vegetation analysis at Pantai Cemara, Jambi, EKSAI Foundation recorded 35 species of migratory waterbirds and a maximum count of 3.445 birds at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. This result shows a stable number from 2020 which recorded 2.836 birds from 30 species. EKSAI Foundation also recorded two new species that had never been recorded at Pantai Cemara before: Lesser Crested Tern and Broad-billed Sandpiper. Vegetation analysis done by EKSAI Foundation shows that all of the vegetation on site are native species: Ipomoea pes-carpae (the most dominant species on mudflat), Sea-pine, and Avicennia sp. Ipomoea pes-carpae was recorded as invasive in three countries: Spain, Anguilla, and South Africa (Dana, et al., 2020; Connor et al., 2021; and Foxcroft et al., 2020), hence, the result from this monitoring can not prove that ipomoea pes-carpae are invasive and threat the migratory waterbirds community at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. Despite that result, EKSAI Foundation notices that vegetation growth still affects the birds, especially in migratory waterbirds' habitat use and selection. In fig. 01 : (1), (2), and (3) we can compare the mudflat area used by migratory waterbirds at Pantai Cemara, Jambi in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Fig 01. (1) Vegetation and migratory waterbird in 2019 Fig 01. (2) Vegetation and migratory waterbird in 2020 Fig 01. (3) Vegetation and migratory waterbird in 2021   From fig 01, we can see that the migratory waterbird flocks are shifting following the vegetation growth to find the remaining open mudflat at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. Together with the vegetation growth, the team of EKSAI Foundation found a new-form mudflat that was used by migratory waterbirds flock in 2021. This new-form mudflat is formed on the southeast side of Pantai Cemara. We need to continuously survey to monitor the vegetation and mudflat at Pantai Cemara, so we can understand the pattern of migratory waterbirds' habitat at Pantai Cemara. This information is very valuable for migratory waterbirds’ habitat management. Conclusion The expansion of vegetation especially Ipomoea pes-carpae growth at Pantai Cemara Jambi does not identify as a threat to migratory waterbirds, yet still affects the area used by migratory waterbird flocks at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. Based on the interview with local people, a large land clearing near Desa Cemara might cause the increase of organic waste in the river and estuary that possibly be a cause of the increase of vegetation growth at Pantai Cemara, Jambi. During this research, we identify 35 species of migratory waterbirds with a maximum count of total migratory waterbirds is 3.445. This result shows that the migratory waterbirds number from 2020 to 2021 is stable and tends to increase through the vegetation is still growing intensively. The result from this research does not show that the vegetation growth threatened the migratory waterbirds community, but still affects the area used by migratory waterbirds due to the mudflats covered by Ipomoea pes-caprae and other vegetation at Pantai Cemara. The local government and local agencies responsible for the management of Pantai Cemara are committed to proposing this area to be a new Flyway Network Site in Indonesia in 2022, our team will help and follow up this commitment and help to compile the SIS together with all the responsible authorities.   The project was funded through the 2021 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. For inquiries, contact Cipto Dwi Handono at ciptodwihandono@gmail.com  


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  • Juvenile distribution pattern and conservation of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill

    EAAFP Small Grant Fund Project by Chi Yeung Choi, Jimmy Duke Kunshan University The individually-marked Black-faced Spoonbill ‘Y75’, was one of the twenty individuals tagged with satellite tracker. Y75 was ringed on Chilsando, Korea, 2nd July 2020, then seen on Taiwan Island 26th October 2020 ©Yi-Cheng Chen Among the threatened migratory waterbird species in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the Black-faced Spoonbills (BFS) Platalea minor stands out as one of the very few species showing a recovering trend, from just a few hundred to more than 6,000 over the last 30 years partly due to the extensive conservation effort and BFSs’ ability to utilise artificial wetlands. Over the years, the foraging ecology (Yu et al. 2004a), habitat use (Yu et al. 2004b), threats (Sung et al. 2018) and migration routes (Wood et al. 2013) of BFS have been studied in various locations. Yet relatively little is known about their movement ecology, especially juveniles. In this proposed project, we aim to quantify the wintering distribution pattern of juvenile BFS in their first boreal winter using GPS-GSM transmitters. The ultimate goal is to identify the key regions where juvenile BFS winter and safeguard these areas for the continuous recovery of this endangered population. In 2020 June and July, juvenile BFS were captured near their nests from breeding islands along the west coast of South Korea. Measurements were recorded and unique colour ring combination on the tibia of BFS was used for individual marking. Solar-powered GPS/GSM satellite trackers (19g or 1.3% of juvenile BFS body weight) were deployed to the back of spoonbills using backpack method. Twenty juvenile BFS were captured and equipped with satellite trackers on their back during June and July 2020. Five individuals died without leaving Korea while one individual with tracker failure. In the remaining 14 individuals that left Korea and migrated, 10 of them (71.4%) spent their first winter in mainland China, two (14.3%) on Taiwan Island and two (14.3%) in southeast Japan. Among the 10 individuals that spent their first winter in mainland China, three individuals (30%) stayed in Jiangsu province and another three individuals (30%) in Zhejiang province, while two individuals (20%) resided in Guangdong, one individual in Hainan and one in Anhui. About half of these 14 wintering sites were protected. Among the 14 individuals that left Korea, the one that spent its first winter at the highest latitude (Jiangsu Lianyungang) and the one at the lowest latitude (Hainan) eventually died during their first winter. Our results showed the importance of the coastal wetlands in mainland China, especially those along the Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang coasts, for juvenile BFS during their southward migration and first winter. All tracked individuals that flew across the Yellow Sea from the west coast of Korea made their first landfall in coastal wetlands along the Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang coasts. The tracking results indicated the importance of coastal wetlands in Zhejiang Zhoushan, Hangzhou Bay and Wenzhou Bay to juvenile BFS. Moreover, two of the tracked birds that migrated successfully to mainland China for their first winter, eventually died at Lianyungang and Hainan. The cause of mortality was unclear but 35% of tracked BFS died within 6 months after released, showing the challenges that young BFS faced in their early years. It is important to record the potential cause of mortality and mitigate those threats to ensure the continuous population recovery of this endangered species. This project laid the important foundation for further tracking projects that will help researchers to determine the potential drivers for the observed juvenile wintering distribution pattern. This could be achieved by combining the tracking data with findings with annual synchronized censuses. Moreover, the tracking data could also be used to evaluate the extent to which protected areas along the flyway encompass the full range of habitats used by BFS during non-breeding season. The southward migration pathway and wintering distribution of satellite-tracked Black-faced Spoonbills in 2020 References: Sung Y-H, Tse IW-L, & Yu Y-T. 2018. Population trends of the Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor: analysis of data from international synchronised censuses. Bird Conservation International, 28(1), 157-167. Wood, C., Tomida, H., Jin-Han, K., Lee, K.S., Cho, H.J., Nishida, S., Ibrahim, J., Hur, W.H., Kim, Yu YT, & Swennen C. 2004a. Feeding of wintering Black-faced Spoonbills in Hong Kong: When and how long? Waterbirds, 27(2), 135-140. Yu YT, & Swennen C. 2004b. Habitat use of the Black-faced Spoonbill. Waterbirds, 27(2), 129-134.   The project was funded through the 2020 EAAFP WG/TF Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here.


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