To strengthen migratory bird rescue and conservation efforts in Dongsha Atoll National Park, the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) specially assigned conservation researchers from the Dongsha Management Station to receive bird rescue training at the Endemic Species Research Institute. The knowledge acquired has since been applied to wild bird rescue operations during the migratory season in Dongsha, successfully rehabilitating and releasing two injured birds back into the wild.
Dongsha Atoll National Park is located at the northern edge of the South China Sea, and Dongsha Island is the only island rising above sea level within the atoll. With its favorable geographic location, abundant terrestrial and marine food resources, dense forest cover, and minimal human disturbance, it has become an important stopover site for migratory birds traveling to breeding or wintering grounds. During migration seasons, large numbers of birds rest and feed here to replenish their energy. Visitors can often observe diverse bird activities such as foraging, resting, and spectacular scenes of flocks taking flight together. Dongsha Atoll National Park has thus become a vital sanctuary ensuring the safe migration of birds.
Because the park lies along a major migratory route, injured or weakened birds that are unable to fly are frequently encountered. This is often due to exhaustion, illness, or injury after long-distance flights. To provide protection for these long-distance travelers, the Headquarters arranged for conservation staff to undergo emergency bird rescue training at the Wildlife First Aid Station of the Endemic Species Research Institute. The training covered initial assessment of injured birds, safe handling and restraint, temporary housing, feeding, and pre-release conditioning. Necessary rescue equipment was also procured and transported to Dongsha Island to enhance on-site rescue capabilities.
According to the Headquarters, since completing the basic emergency rescue training, conservation researchers at the Dongsha Management Station have handled seven bird rescue cases on Dongsha Island from March to early April this year (2011). The rescued species included the White-breasted Waterhen, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Egret, and Great Egret. Although most of the rescued birds were found in poor condition, through careful treatment and rehabilitation by station staff, two injured birds—the White-breasted Waterhen and the Ruddy Turnstone—have successfully recovered and been released back into the wild.
The Headquarters stated that through professional rescue training and the practical experience accumulated in daily rescue operations, staff will not only continue to carry out conservation research and natural resource management within the national park but will also serve as frontline responders for emergency bird rescue work.
Dongsha Atoll National Park is located at the northern edge of the South China Sea, and Dongsha Island is the only island rising above sea level within the atoll. With its favorable geographic location, abundant terrestrial and marine food resources, dense forest cover, and minimal human disturbance, it has become an important stopover site for migratory birds traveling to breeding or wintering grounds. During migration seasons, large numbers of birds rest and feed here to replenish their energy. Visitors can often observe diverse bird activities such as foraging, resting, and spectacular scenes of flocks taking flight together. Dongsha Atoll National Park has thus become a vital sanctuary ensuring the safe migration of birds.
Because the park lies along a major migratory route, injured or weakened birds that are unable to fly are frequently encountered. This is often due to exhaustion, illness, or injury after long-distance flights. To provide protection for these long-distance travelers, the Headquarters arranged for conservation staff to undergo emergency bird rescue training at the Wildlife First Aid Station of the Endemic Species Research Institute. The training covered initial assessment of injured birds, safe handling and restraint, temporary housing, feeding, and pre-release conditioning. Necessary rescue equipment was also procured and transported to Dongsha Island to enhance on-site rescue capabilities.
According to the Headquarters, since completing the basic emergency rescue training, conservation researchers at the Dongsha Management Station have handled seven bird rescue cases on Dongsha Island from March to early April this year (2011). The rescued species included the White-breasted Waterhen, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Egret, and Great Egret. Although most of the rescued birds were found in poor condition, through careful treatment and rehabilitation by station staff, two injured birds—the White-breasted Waterhen and the Ruddy Turnstone—have successfully recovered and been released back into the wild.
The Headquarters stated that through professional rescue training and the practical experience accumulated in daily rescue operations, staff will not only continue to carry out conservation research and natural resource management within the national park but will also serve as frontline responders for emergency bird rescue work.
 |
 |
| Figure 1: Injured Little Egret found on Dongsha Island (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters) | Figure 2: Conservation staff providing water to an injured Ruddy Turnstone (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters) |
 |
 |
| Figure 3: Rescued Ruddy Turnstone successfully rehabilitated and released (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters) |
Figure 4: Staff of the Dongsha Management Station releasing a recovered White-breasted Waterhen (Photo courtesy of the Headquarters) |