Migratory Birds Decline: Netting Deaths in China Impact Singapore
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text:
The Problem:
* Declining Migratory Bird Populations: Several species of migratory shorebirds are facing significant population declines.
* Specific Species at Risk:
* Far Eastern Curlew: Only around 20,000 are estimated to survive.
* Great Knot: Population of around 400,000, but declining rapidly.
* Threats:
* Habitat Loss: A major factor impacting both species.
* Hunting: A direct threat to the birds.
* Bycatch: Birds getting caught in fishing nets.
* Bird Deterrence Nets: Birds becoming entangled in nets used to keep them away from areas.
Migration & Key Locations:
* Migration Season: August to March. Birds are leaving breeding grounds in the north for warmer southern areas.
* Singapore Hotspots: Sungei Buloh, Mandai mudflat, Chek Jawa, and Marina East Drive are critically important foraging areas.
* East asian-Australasian flyway: Singapore and China’s coasts are crucial stopover points along this major migratory route.
* This flyway spans over 30 countries.
* Used by 600 bird species.
* Supports over 50 million migratory waterbirds.
Study Details:
* Researchers surveyed 29 stopover sites in China (southern to north-eastern regions) in the autumn of 2019.
The article highlights the vulnerability of these birds and the importance of protecting their stopover habitats, particularly in Singapore and China.