(ENG version follows)
剪嘴鷗越冬地研究監察及提升公眾意識保育項目
由香港觀鳥會亞洲自然保育基金支持的「剪嘴鷗越冬地研究監察及提升公眾意識保育項目」於5月完成。雖然香港並沒有剪嘴鷗的紀錄，但剪嘴鷗仍是遷飛區內重點需要保護的鳥類之一。
由於生境的破壞，剪嘴鷗數量在過去11年下跌了至少20%，IUCN評級為瀕危。其族群目前只分佈於印度和孟加拉：印度是僅剩的繁殖地，而在孟加拉的Nijhum Dweep 國家公園，則是每年冬天全球30-50%的剪嘴鷗的非繁殖棲息地。
故此，孟加拉研究人員決定在Njihum Dweep 地區，剪嘴鷗重要棲息地之一，研究剪嘴鷗的食性、行為等資訊。2023年10月至2024年4月間，調查員在 Nijhum Dweep 和其他潛在地點進行了每月調查，以評估剪嘴鷗的種群狀況和食性。不幸的是，在調查期間只觀察到一次剪嘴鷗——2023 年11月12日的2隻個體，對於剪嘴鷗的食性未能作出詳細研究。
剪嘴鷗的波動由2015的最高峰3,108隻個體到今年的只有2隻。日益增多的威脅，例如生境破壞以及漁業活動等，可能都是數量減少的原因之一。
除了調查項目外，公眾教育對於剪嘴鷗的保育亦非常重要。研究人員在當地派發傳單，並舉辦各類型的工作坊，向學生、居民介紹剪嘴鷗，以及與鳥類的相關知識。他們還會呼籲當地漁民提供關於剪嘴鷗群落的數據和消息，加強研究效率。
希望透過定期調查及公眾參與，能夠好好保護Nijhum Dweep 國家公園這個重要的越冬地，以此保護剪嘴鷗，甚或是遷飛區內的其他雀鳥。香港觀鳥會亦會繼續支持亞洲不同地區的研究項目，為鳥類保育出一分力。了解更多「香港觀鳥會亞洲自然保育基金」的工作，歡迎瀏覽https://www.hkbws.org.hk/cms/acf。
Can we still save the globally endangered Indian Skimmer (Rhynchops albicollis) at their last remaining wintering site?
Supported by the HKBWS Asia Conservation Fund, a conservation project in Bangladesh ‘Can we still save the globally endangered Indian Skimmer (Rhynchops albicollis) at their last remaining wintering site?’ was completed in May. Although there are no records of Indian Skimmers in Hong Kong, they remain one of the key species in need of protection within the migratory area.
Due to habitat destruction, the population of Indian Skimmer has declined by at least 20% over the past 11 years, which is classified as endangered by the IUCN. Their population is currently only found in India and Bangladesh, where India is the only remaining breeding ground, while Nijhum Dweep National Park in Bangladesh serves as a non-breeding habitat for 30-50% of the global population during the winter.
Therefore, researchers from Bangladesh decided to study the feeding habits and behaviours of Indian Skimmers in the Nijhum Dweep area, one of their important habitats. From October 2023 to April 2024, surveyors conducted monthly surveys in Nijhum Dweep and other potential sites to assess the population status and feeding habits of the Indian Skimmer. Unfortunately, only two individuals were observed during the survey period on November 12, 2023, preventing a detailed study of their feeding habits.
The fluctuation in the Indian Skimmer population has been significant, dropping from a peak of 3,108 individuals in 2015 to just two this year. Increasing threats, such as habitat destruction and fishing activities, may be contributing factors to this decline.
In addition to the survey project, public education is also crucial for the conservation of the Indian Skimmer. Researchers distributed flyers and organized various workshops in the local community to introduce students and residents of Indian Skimmer and related knowledge about birds. They also consulted local fishermen in hopes of gathering data and information about the Indian Skimmer population to enhance research efficiency.
It is hoped that through regular surveys and public participation, the important wintering grounds of Nijhum Dweep National Park can be well protected, thereby safeguarding the Indian Skimmer and potentially other migratory birds in the region. HKBWS will continue to support research projects in different regions of Asia to contribute to bird conservation efforts. To understand and support us, please visit: https://www.hkbws.org.hk/cms/acf.
Researcher discussed and interviewed fishermen about whether they saw any Indian Skimmers in the area while fishing this year
研究人員採訪附近漁民並討論今年捕魚時是否看到剪嘴鷗
Engaging with fishermen at Nijhum Dweep National Park by distributing flyers underscoring the significance of conserving Indian Skimmers
研究人員透過派發傳單與當地漁民互動，教導他們保護剪嘴鷗的重要性
A survey team member searched for the Indian Skimmer by boat (top) and on foot (bottom) at Nijhum Dweep National Park
調查成員在 Nijhum Dweep 國家公園乘船（上）和步行（下）尋找剪嘴鷗
Students display their drawings of Indian Skimmers, aiding their comprehension of the species
學生們展示他們繪製的剪嘴鷗畫作，幫助他們了解這個物種
