In November of this year (2010), conservation staff at the Dongsha Management Station of the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) discovered a Black-faced Spoonbill in Dongsha Atoll National Park and documented its activities through observation and photography.
The Headquarters stated that the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) is extremely rare and is a globally endangered species facing severe threats. The estuary of the Zengwen River in Taiwan serves as the principal wintering ground for this species and currently hosts the largest known population, with 1,087 individuals recorded this year. In addition, two individuals were recorded in Penghu this year. The first observation of a Black-faced Spoonbill in Dongsha Atoll National Park occurred in the winter of 2008, when only blurred images were captured and the bird stayed briefly before flying away. This year marks the second record and the first time clear activity photographs have been successfully obtained.
Conservation personnel at Dongsha Atoll National Park first detected its presence on November 18 and captured clear photographic evidence on November 19. The recorded individual was a sub-adult. Through the lens, it was clearly observed resting on a sandbar along the northern shore of the lagoon mouth on Dongsha Island, among Grey Herons and other egrets. The spoonbill was seen calmly preening, occasionally dipping into the water, ruffling its feathers, and then gracefully taking flight and soaring overhead.
The Headquarters noted that ecological restoration efforts are currently underway in both marine and terrestrial areas of Dongsha Atoll National Park. A strong partnership has also been established with the Dongsha Command of the Southern Coast Guard Administration. Monthly marine ecology and environmental education sessions are held to enhance conservation awareness among stationed personnel, ensuring that wildlife habitats on the island are not disturbed. Coast Guard members frequently collaborate with conservation staff in beach cleanups and the removal of invasive Leucaena trees. Through proper planning and effective implementation of restoration work, it is hoped that Dongsha Island will once again become a lush and vibrant ocean paradise.
The Headquarters stated that the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) is extremely rare and is a globally endangered species facing severe threats. The estuary of the Zengwen River in Taiwan serves as the principal wintering ground for this species and currently hosts the largest known population, with 1,087 individuals recorded this year. In addition, two individuals were recorded in Penghu this year. The first observation of a Black-faced Spoonbill in Dongsha Atoll National Park occurred in the winter of 2008, when only blurred images were captured and the bird stayed briefly before flying away. This year marks the second record and the first time clear activity photographs have been successfully obtained.
Conservation personnel at Dongsha Atoll National Park first detected its presence on November 18 and captured clear photographic evidence on November 19. The recorded individual was a sub-adult. Through the lens, it was clearly observed resting on a sandbar along the northern shore of the lagoon mouth on Dongsha Island, among Grey Herons and other egrets. The spoonbill was seen calmly preening, occasionally dipping into the water, ruffling its feathers, and then gracefully taking flight and soaring overhead.
The Headquarters noted that ecological restoration efforts are currently underway in both marine and terrestrial areas of Dongsha Atoll National Park. A strong partnership has also been established with the Dongsha Command of the Southern Coast Guard Administration. Monthly marine ecology and environmental education sessions are held to enhance conservation awareness among stationed personnel, ensuring that wildlife habitats on the island are not disturbed. Coast Guard members frequently collaborate with conservation staff in beach cleanups and the removal of invasive Leucaena trees. Through proper planning and effective implementation of restoration work, it is hoped that Dongsha Island will once again become a lush and vibrant ocean paradise.
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