East Asian–Australasian Flyway
The East Asian–Australasian Flyway is one of the world's great
Flyway Site Network
During migration, water birds rely on a system of highly productive wetlands to rest and feed, building up sufficient energy to fuel the next phase of their journey. International cooperation across their migratory range is therefore essential to conserve and protect migratory water birds and the habitats on which they depend.[2] East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) identified 1060 sites as internationally important for migratory birds.[2] These sites are called the Flyway Site Network. The sites are expected to collaborate with the local community to preserve the wetland by raising awareness regarding the importance of the site, carefully documenting the number of migratory bird populations, and strictly monitoring the vegetation condition within the site.
An important site in Alaska is the small
Threats
Habitat loss and degradation
The
Land reclamation of the coastal mudlats of the Yellow Sea (with over 65% of mudflats lost)[8][9] has led to major population declines in migratory waders.[6][8]
Hunting
Another major threat is rampant hunting in South-East Asia. Reasons for hunting vary, but pet trade[10] and hunting for food in rural areas are the most common motives.[5] As a result of the unregulated hunting, the Yellow-breasted Bunting, whose IUCN threat status was "Least Concern" 10 years ago, has now been listed as "Vulnerable".[11] In parts of Cambodia and Thailand, migratory songbirds including swallows and Great Reed Warblers are caught for religious "mercy releases", resulting in thousands of deaths.[12][13]
Conservation Priorities
According to a holistic review of current research, the demographics, habitat distribution, and survival rate of many endangered species remain ambiguous. Studies about these areas in the key habitats along the flyway may prove useful to conservation of migratory birds.[5] Besides, the current Flyway Site Network mainly focuses on water birds, neglecting the protection of remained migratory birds. Scientists claim that organizations and laws focusing on protecting these birds may be needed.[5]
Roles of Birders
The birding community in Asia is increasing rapidly, especially in China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, due to a growing middle class.[14] Despite language barriers, the e-bird system has successfully assisted birding communication across national boundaries, contributing to the development of EAAF.[15] For example, the collective data from birders have contributed to many research projects, such as filling the gap of distribution of the Rufous-Headed Robin in Cambodia.[16]
See also
- China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
- Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
- Republic of Korea–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
- Saemangeum South Korea
- Saemangeum Seawall South Korea
- Bonn Convention
- Ramsar Convention
References
- ^ "The Flyway". Eaaflyway. 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ^ a b "Flyway Site Network of East Asian-Australasian Flyway promote collaborative effort to safeguard migratory waterbirds". Eaaflyway. 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ^ "Alaska's petroleum reserve is open for drilling. Will the birds survive?". National Geographic. 2019-09-10. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
- S2CID 6306449.
- ^ ISSN 0959-2709.
- ^ Wikidata Q104351843.
- S2CID 20175278.
- ^ Wikidata Q33587083.
- Wikidata Q55868653.
- ^ Shepherd, C. R. (2006) The bird trade in Medan, North Sumatra: an overview. BirdingASIA 5: 16–24.
- ^ Chan, S. (2004) Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola. BirdingASIA 1: 16–17.
- .
- ^ McClure, H. E. and Chaiyaphun, S. (1971) The sale of birds at the Bangkok “Sunday Market” Thailand. Nat. Hist. Bull. Siam Soc. 24: 41–78.
- ISSN 0959-2709.
- PMID 22205876.
- ^ Mahood, S. P., Eaton, J. A. and Leader, P. J. (2013a) Second record of Rufous-headed Robin Luscinia ruficeps outside its breeding range and a description of its first-winter plumage. BirdingAsia 19: 43–47.
External links
- East Asia/Australasia Flyway Factsheet from BirdLife International
- East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership
- East Asian–Australasian Shorebird Site Network
- Australasian Wader Studies Group
- Refuelling station of East Asian Migratory Flyaway
- Siberian ornithology - Australian style, 1903 Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- Why North Korea is a safe haven for birds (BBC).