Mr Yu Yat-tung, Research Manager of HKBWS, joined the meeting on 17-18 July 2019 in Mongolia to discuss and seek further international collaboration for conservation of the Dalmatian Pelican. Many of our members are still missing the winter days in Deep Bay that the magnificent pelicans loafed in front of the birdwatching hide at the Deep Bay. Due to its population decline, this species has become very rare in Deep Bay and the last bird was recorded in winter 2009/10. The current population of the Dalmatian Pelican in East Asian-Australasian Flyway is estimated below 150 individuals, hence conservation activities are urgently required for the sake of long-term survival of this species in this region. Mongolia is the last breeding ground for these pelicans in the region.

With support from East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), this meeting was held at Khar Us National Park, Khov Province, Mongolia and more than 30 participants from Mongolia, China, Russia and Greece joined to discuss the current situation and future conservation activities for the population in the flyway. HKBWS presented background information of the pelican in Deep Bay collected from birdwatcher’s records and long-term waterbird monitoring programme, and this provided some understanding of behaviour and habitat uses of pelicans wintering in Deep Bay. During the meeting, a Dalmatian Pelican Task Force under EAAFP is established to coordinate and draft a work plan of conservation activities for this species. Members of the task force will need to find supports to conduct these activities. This is a long-waiting start for safeguarding the last pelicans in East Asia, and perhaps it is the last chance for them.