Subject: [Hong Kong] Another Critically Endangered species in Hong Kong [Print This Page] Author: ajohn Time: 8/03/2012 14:00 Subject: Another Critically Endangered species in Hong Kong
These include the decision to upgrade Baer's Pochard from Endangered to Critically Endangered, following serious concerns about a severe decline in numbers and loss of sites. This decline has also been noted in Hong Kong, where the recent obliging bird is the first seen by most observers for several years. The decision to upgrade to ciritcal was pended in 2011 and in the draft list for 2012, so data from this winter presumably show the situation to be very serious. Discussion on the BirdLife website suggests the population is now less than 1000 individuals.
The only other change relevant to Hong Kong is Black Scoter, which is a newly recognised split from Common Scoter proposed to be listed as Near Threatened. Eastern Imperial Eagle remains as Vulnerable, while Greater Scaup and Chinese Hwamei remain Least Concern.
I think the following list of Hong Kong threatened species is up to date, but if anyone notices any errors please point them out.
NT
Japanese Quail, Falcated Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Black Scoter, Black-headed Ibis, Cinereous Vulture, Band-bellied Crake, Asian Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Japanese Waxwing, Rufous-rumped Grassbird, Japanese Swamp Warbler, Japanese Paradise-flycatcher, Japanese Reed Bunting, Collared Crow Author: brendank Time: 8/03/2012 14:48
Sadly it's no surprise that Baer's Pochard are critically endangered. However, it was a real shock to me to see Black Scoter uplisted to near threated and Long-tailed Duck to vunerable. Two birds which I always considered common to abundant in North America in appropriate habitat. Seems that they fall under the "at least a 30% decline over ten years or three generations, whichever is longer" criteria. Author: HKBWS Chuan Time: 8/03/2012 14:51
I can add Yellow-billed Loon and European Roller for NT. Author: Jonathmartinez Time: 8/03/2012 16:11
I've never heard about any conservation programme about Baer's Pochard. Does anybody know if there is any? I become to regret to haven't been to Mai Po to twich this bird...Very sad list! Author: HFCheung Time: 8/03/2012 19:43
Actually the HKBWS China Conservation Fund support a small monitoring project to count this bird in Central Yangsze Valley in the year 2011-12.
HF Cheung Author: gary Time: 8/03/2012 20:35
I wonder which population of Black Scoter it refers to . Author: brendank Time: 8/03/2012 21:05
As far as I can see from the website this refers to the American Black Scoter and not the European Common Scoter. Author: gary Time: 8/03/2012 21:16
oop..just settle the technical problem and manage to download the list.
Yes, it refers to Melanitta americana, the one recorded in HK. Author: ajohn Time: 9/03/2012 09:34
The decision for Black Scoter is a bit puzzling. If you read the discussion for this species, it mostly discusses whether Common Scoter (i.e. M. nigra) should be upgraded (even suggesting Vulnerable), and suggests that Black Scoter (M. americana) is relatively stable. But then the published decision is to list Black Scoter as NT and leave Common Scoter as LC. I wonder if this was a mistake? Author: wcaptain Time: 9/03/2012 17:08
I have a question about the feral population of Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) on HK island. Is it of any conservation importance? THX. Captain
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