Conservation under the wings of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Umbrella species: The Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Protection of Wetlands Across Asia
The Spoon-billed Sandpiper, a vital umbrella species, migrates along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), one of the most critical and diverse migratory routes worldwide. This flyway spans over 8,000 kilometers, connecting breeding grounds in northeast Russia with key wintering sites across Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, China, and other regions.
As an umbrella species, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’s conservation indirectly protects numerous other species within these ecosystems. The EAAF hosts many endangered bird species, such as Great Knot and the Black-faced Spoonbill. Conservation actions, including wetland protection and regulations against hunting, are critical for maintaining this route and support the survival of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other species reliant on these shared habitats across Asia.
33 globally threatened and near threatened species and almost half a million waterbirds benefit from the Spoon-billed Sandpiper focused conservation efforts.
Spoon-billed Sandpiper breeding ground in Chukotka, Russia
The coastal tundra breeding grounds in Chukotka, where the Spoon-billed Sandpiper nests, host a unique array of Arctic bird species that thrive in the same specialized habitats.
Removing Mist Nets: One Action, Many Species Protected
Mist nets, often used illegally for bird trapping, pose a significant threat to the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, especially in key wintering areas and stopover sites along its migratory route. These nets not only capture Spoon-billed Sandpipers but also entangle numerous other migratory birds, including endangered species like the Black-faced Spoonbill, Nordmann’s Greenshank, and the Far Eastern Curlew. By removing mist nets, our partners help reduce accidental capture and mortality, which is especially crucial for species with small, vulnerable populations.
International Cooperation Under the Umbrella of the Spoony
Protecting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper has sparked unprecedented international collaboration across Asia, linking conservation organizations, governments, and communities in a shared mission. This effort is building a strong regional network of environmental action, with countries working together to safeguard crucial wetland habitats, regulate hunting practices, and share research and resources. The sandpiper’s conservation is not only a strategy for its survival but a powerful catalyst for strengthening biodiversity protection and environmental cooperation across borders in Asia.
The many organizations working to save the Spoon-billed Sandpiper
ArcCona Consulting
Bangladesh Spoon-billed Sandpiper Conservation Project
Bangladesh Forest Department
Beijing Forestry University
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Club
Birds Korea
Birds Russia
BirdLife International
BirdLife International in Indochina and University of Saigon
Bombay Natural History Society
BRC (Guangxi Biodiversity Research and Conservation Association)
BTO
Chester Zoo
Convention on Migratory Species
Conservation Ecology Program
School of Bioresources and Technology
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)
Department of National Parks
Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand (DNP)
Duotan Wetland Research Institute (Hainan)
Fujian Birdwatching Society
German, Scandinavian and UK Spoon-billed Sandpiper Support Groups
Heritage Expeditions
Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
International Conservation Fund
International Conservation Fund of Canada
Liuzhou Birdwatching Society (Guangxi Province)
Mangrove Conservation Foundation
Moscow Zoo
Nanjing Normal University
Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar
New Zealand Department of Conservation
RSPB
SCOPE Foundation
SBS in China
University of Cambridge
Wader Quest
Wild Bird Society of Japan
WWT
Zhejiang Birdwatching Society
Zhanjiang Birdwatching Society
Zhiyu Art Museum (Guangxi Province).
Shorebird Stories
Conservation under the wings of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper
October 29, 2024
Conservation actions supporting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the wetland areas of East Asia benefit many other endangered species across Asia.
The Spoony of Peace
October 20, 2024
Much like the symbolic dove carrying an olive branch, the spoon-billed sandpiper transcends borders and politics, uniting governments, conservationists, and local communities in the shared mission of preventing its extinction.
The Spoony of Peace
Can Environmental Cooperation Survive in a Divided World?
International relations and cooperation between superpowers like the U.S., Russia, and China are at historic lows. Most of what we hear is about rivalry, tension, and military escalation. The prospects of a new Iron Curtain dividing the world are realistic, and only history will tell us if we have already crossed that point. However, even during the height of the Cold War, scientific and environmental cooperation between the USSR and the U.S. existed and served as a source of hope for peace and prosperity for humankind. Under the 1972 Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, the U.S. and the USSR worked together on wildlife conservation efforts, focusing on preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in their respective territories. Efforts to protect the Siberian tiger and the American bison were at the heart of that collaboration. American and Soviet scientists researched data and exchanged anti-poaching strategies; they also collaborated to understand the ecology, behavior, and population dynamics of the Siberian tiger. Can we still do this today?
A Siberian tiger photographed by a camera trap. Taken by Svetlana Sutyrina
A “spoonie” on the breeding grounds in Chukotka, Siberia, June 2015. photo by Mads Syndergaard
Spoony of peace
Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Across Political Divides
In today’s context, it’s hard to find a more hopeful example of international collaboration than the effort to save the spoon-billed sandpiper. This small, critically endangered shorebird migrates across some of the most politically tense regions in the world—China, Russia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, North Korea, and South Korea. Much like the symbolic dove carrying an olive branch, the spoon-billed sandpiper transcends borders and politics, uniting governments, conservationists, and local communities in the shared mission of preventing its extinction.
A Common Goal
The spoonie’s decline was rapid, primarily due to habitat loss from land reclamation and hunting. Today, with only around 100 breeding pairs left, its survival depends on conservation efforts spanning over 8,000 kilometers—from its breeding grounds in Russia’s Chukotka region to its wintering grounds in South and Southeast Asia. These efforts, involving multiple countries, share a common goal: halting the species' decline by 50% by 2025.
A Global Strategy
Ambitious goals require even more ambitious actions, and that is precisely what the multidisciplinary team of conservation scientists, coordinators, and strategists has been doing. Russian expedition teams, UK breeding programs, Chinese satellite tracking, and monitoring at key staging and wintering sites are all working together toward the common mission of creating a future for the spoon-billed sandpiper and millions of other migratory shorebirds of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Conservation in Action
The scale, complexity, and urgency of the situation require diverse and immediate actions. Spoon-billed sandpiper migration is being tracked with satellite tags. A captive population has been established as a safeguard against extinction. Key sites in Myanmar, China and the South Korea have received protected status including some World Heritage Sites on the Yellow Seas of the latter two countries, covering an area of over 430,000 ha.
Spoon-billed Sandpiper hatchlings, photo: Pavel Tomkovich
Other significant efforts to protect the Spoon-billed Sandpiper include:
> Headstarting
A headstarting program for spoon-billed sandpipers has been underway since 2012, involving specialists collecting eggs from incubating birds in the wild, hatching and hand-raising the chicks in captivity to fledging age, and releasing the birds back into the wild. Headstarting efforts have released over 180 birds. This intervention protects the eggs and chicks during the particularly vulnerable incubation and rearing phases. Unfortunately, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused a pause in spoonie headstarting work. While headstarting activity is necessarily paused, the team has begun preparing for a potential return to full operations, hopefully in 2025, despite the existing challenges.
> Stopping Hunting
The EAAFP Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force is working with villagers in Myanmar and Bangladesh to ease the pressure of trapping. Good progress is being made to stop bird trapping on the spoon-billed sandpipers’ non-breeding grounds. Bird trappers sign agreements to cease hunting in return for small grants to buy fishing equipment. The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force estimates that as many as 80-90% of hunters in the Bay of Martaban, Myanmar (the most important wintering site in the world for the spoon-billed sandpiper), have now signed agreements to stop hunting and surrendered their trapping equipment. Advocacy work is raising the profile of the critically important intertidal wetlands in the Yellow Sea. Awareness-raising activities are introducing this incredible bird to children in the flyway. Annual surveys of breeding sites in Chukotka have been undertaken, with over 400 birds color-marked since 2012. A new breeding site, “Okeanskoe,” has also been discovered!
Net removal in South China
Are we up to the task?
The story of the spoon-billed sandpiper reminds us that conservation is a global challenge that requires collective action. No single country can save a migratory bird like the spoonie on its own—preservation depends on seamless cooperation across borders, cultures, and political ideologies. This species knows no boundaries, and its survival requires the same boundaryless approach from humanity.
In a world facing immense challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change, the spoon-billed sandpiper stands as a poignant symbol of our shared humanity. Its plight illustrates that we are all interconnected; the fate of one species is intricately tied to the well-being of our planet and, ultimately, to our own survival. The collaborative efforts to save the spoonie remind us that when we unite for a common purpose, we can achieve great things—overcoming political divisions, cultural differences, and economic disparities. In essence, the conservation of the spoon-billed sandpiper is not just about saving a bird; it is about fostering a sense of global community and shared responsibility. By working together, we can confront the pressing environmental challenges of our time, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet rich in biodiversity. The collective action we take today, motivated by the fate of this remarkable bird, may well determine the course of humanity’s relationship with
nature.
Shorebird Stories
Conservation under the wings of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper
October 29, 2024
Conservation actions supporting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the wetland areas of East Asia benefit many other endangered species across Asia.
The Spoony of Peace
October 20, 2024
Much like the symbolic dove carrying an olive branch, the spoon-billed sandpiper transcends borders and politics, uniting governments, conservationists, and local communities in the shared mission of preventing its extinction.
Join the international efforts to save the Spoony by supporting our field partners in Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand.
Rewilding the Galapagos: Bringing Back Lost Species
Rewilding the Galapagos: Jocotoco Is Bringing Back Lost Species
Galapagos. Close your eyes for just a moment. What images does the name conjure in your mind? Primordial forces: volcanoes, evolution. Bizarre creatures, blue waters teeming with life. Nature—untamed, isolated, and unspoiled by humans.
For millions of years, this is how the islands looked. Just as volcanic activity continuously shaped them, life on the islands took its own course, and evolution created a completely unique ecosystem, as it often does on remote islands. This remained the case for millennia until the first humans set foot on the islands in the 16th century. Sporadic visits by pirates and whalers were enough to take a terrible toll on the ecosystem. As with most islands, the Galapagos suffer from invasive predators introduced both deliberately (goats and other domesticated animals) and unintentionally (rats and mice). These invasives have decimated local populations of birds and other wildlife. Hunting by whalers and pirates over the centuries disrupted the ecosystem’s balance and wiped out many endemic species.
Pink Land Iguana, Marlon del Águila
Today, our partner Jocotoco has an ambitious plan to restore the beauty and diversity of the Galapagos Islands for future generations, harnessing the ecological superpowers of a tortoise species once thought extinct. The rewilding of the Galapagos island of Floreana, will make it the largest tropical island ever to be rewilded!
First Step: Removing Invasive Species
The first step was removing invasive predators from the island, which was accomplished toward the end of last year. This was no easy task. Eradicating invasive species like rats, mice, and feral cats on a 173 km² island is a monumental challenge, but it was successfully completed thanks to the tireless efforts of Jocotoco, the Galapagos National Park, and many local and international partners.
“Invasive species are destroying our island. They devour crops and are pushing our seabird populations to the brink of extinction. We catch less fish every year. By removing invasive species, we have the opportunity to restore both the land and the sea and provide more ecotourism opportunities for the first time on an inhabited island in the archipelago. Our livelihoods, our health, and the next generation’s future depend on it.” —Max Freire, Floreana Island native and fisherman
“Every action has a reaction, and it has been well-established that removing invasive species from islands paves the way for ecosystem recovery.” —Chad Hanson, Deputy Vice President of Conservation at Island Conservation (source)
Park rangers working on manual bait dispersion during the invasive species eradication phase. – Photo by Joshua Vela
Next Step: Reintroducing Lost Species
“Rewilding is a key concept in this endeavor, as it involves returning these species to their natural environment—a crucial step toward revitalizing a healthy and balanced ecosystem.” – Jocotoco website
With the invaders gone after 150 years, it’s time for the most exciting part of the rewilding process: bringing back the lost species! Our partners at Jocotoco aim to reintroduce 12 of the 13 locally extinct species to their natural habitat, including the Floreana Giant Tortoise, Floreana Mockingbird, Little Vermilion Flycatcher, Galapagos Rail, Lava Gull, Galapagos Hawk, Vegetarian Finch, Gray Warbler Finch, Sharp-beaked Ground Finch, Large Ground Finch, Barn Owl, and the Floreana Racer Snake.
Earlier this year, more than 500 Darwin’s Finches were released on Floreana Island. The birds are successfully returning to their natural territories! Though small, their presence has a large impact: they pollinate, disperse seeds, and control insect populations.
“We’ve planned this moment for so many years; it’s surreal to experience it. The release of these finches marks a monumental moment for the future of Floreana.” – Paula Castaño, from Island Conservation (source)
Large Ground Finch by Jocotoco
The Ecological Engineers Are Returning
The Floreana Tortoise went extinct over 150 years ago, likely during the 1840s or 1850s. By the time Charles Darwin famously visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835, decades of overharvesting had already brought the population to the brink of extinction. Darwin noted that only about 20 years’ worth of harvestable tortoises remained. The species finally disappeared around 1850.
Fortunately, in 2012, several hybrids between the extinct Floreana Tortoise and Chelonoidis becki, another subspecies, were discovered near Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. These were likely descendants of Floreana tortoises transported there in the early 19th century. In 2017, a breeding program was launched to revive the Floreana subspecies. By 2023, the program had successfully produced around 400 offspring, offering a unique opportunity to repopulate Floreana Island with tortoises that closely resemble the genetic makeup of the original Floreana Giant Tortoise.
Photo by Diego Bermeo, DPNG
Galápagos Tortoise, Josgua Vela
The return of the tortoise to Floreana will be more than a symbolic victory. The tortoise will serve as an environmental engineer, transforming the island to benefit other endangered species. Not only do they disperse seeds and move soil, but they also “terraform” the habitat by consuming large amounts of lower vegetation, opening up the understory for foraging by species like the endangered Floreana Mockingbird and Little Vermillion Flycatcher. Jocotoco’s work in the Galapagos represents a unique conservation opportunity with lasting consequences for Floreana and the preservation of Earth’s biological treasures.
“This restoration project yet again demonstrates the importance of coordinated efforts between institutions and organizations dedicated to conserving the Galapagos Islands. Large-scale projects like this can only achieve positive results when all conservation stakeholders pool their knowledge, efforts, and collective experience.” —Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation (source)
Time to make a real impact
This work might be expensive and challenging, but it’s worthwhile! The 160 people who live on Floreana have already seen their crop yields increase dramatically with no rats or mice around. The return of tortoises and birds will bring increased tourism revenue, a win-win for both people and wildlife.
At ICF, we’re thrilled to support Jocotoco’s work in Floreana, and we’re eager to invite you to join us. Support Jocotoco’s work in Floreana through ICF, and let us know if you’re interested in joining an ICF trip to the Galapagos in 2025! Jocotoco’s tour company, Jocotours, offers a unique opportunity to see this incredible work firsthand.
Juan Pablo Mayorga (Jocotoco Foundation), coordinating work with Biosecurity Agents (ABG) Photo by Joshua Vela
Celebrating Earth Day from Ecuador! | April, 2024
Dear friends,
For Earth Day we highlight the work of the Jocotoco Foundation based in Ecuador.
Ecuador is a mega-diverse country with the highest biodiversity per area of any country. Many species in Ecuador are found only in very small areas (endemics). Tiny Ecuador is home to 16% of the world’s bird and 10% of the world’s amphibian species. Ecuador was the first country to give nature constitutional rights and it has protected close to 20% of its land and sea territory. In spite of these successes, the threats remain. For example, over 95% of forest has been lost in the lowlands of western Ecuador.
The Blue-throated Hillstar was only recently discovered and the world population is between 80-120 individuals. Photo: Murray Cooper
The population of many parrots is limited by the availability of nest cavities because so many trees have been cut down. A nest box program provides homes to these birds like this rare White-breasted Parakeet until the forest can regrow. Photo: Byron Puglia.
Jocotoco was established in 1998 to protect the many endangered and endemic species which are still not protected by Ecuador’s relatively extensive system of protected areas. In 25 years, Jocotoco has established 18 conservation reserves totalling over 40,000 ha.
The foundation’s first reserve was established to protect the Jocotoco Antpitta is south-eastern Ecuador – then a new species to science. The foundation flourished and initially focused on protecting endangered birds like the El Oro Parakeet, Ecuadorian Tapaculo, Pale-headed Brush Finch, Great Green Macaw, Black-breasted Puffleg and Andean Condors.
The Jocotoco Antpitta was discovered in 1998 in southern Ecuador. The population is thought to be around 500. Photo: Doug Wechsler
Jocotoco now protects over 10% of all the world’s bird species in just 0.00003% of the world’s land area.
Jocotoco quickly recognized that to protect endangered birds, they had to protect the habitats and ecosystems in which they lived. This meant working with many stakeholders, communities, and governments in order to protect larger areas. The results have been astonishing, showing how resilient nature can be if given a chance! In all its reserves, Jocotoco has seen a marked increase in rare species, especially in areas reforested to reconnect remaining old growth forest patches.
“I have watched and supported Jocotoco since they first were formed. It is inspiring to see how much land and critical habitat has been conserved in just 25 years and how well this has been supported by the communities and governments in Ecuador. Seeing these natural ecosystems recover so quickly with protection is a very hopeful message for Earth Day!”
Jerry Bertrand, Founding Board Member ICF
With habitat protection on conservation reserves, large mammals like these Mountain Tapirs have returned and are increasingly common. Photo: Jocotoco
Protecting the Lowland Chocó
ICF and its staff have been supporting Jocotoco’s major initiative to protect the Chocó Forest Ecosystem since 2016. With less than 2% of the original forest remaining in this species and endemic rich area, the situation is still critical. To date over 15,000 ha has been protected by Jocotoco and its partners and a connection has been established between Jocotoco’s reserve and Cotocachi-Cayapas, one of Ecuador’s largest national parks. While much more work remains to be done, the establishment of these protected areas is ensuring the long-term survival of healthy populations of Jaguars, Harpy Eagles, and Peccaries. The removal of hunting pressure has seen the return of shy species like the Great Curassow, and recently a Giant Anteater.
Click to view this video of a Giant Anteater at Jocotoco’s Canandé Reserve: one of the first records of this species west of the Andes in a very long time.
Photo: Humberto Castillo
Canandé Reserve becomes Ecuador’s Newest National Park
In November 2023, the Government of Ecuador included 2900 ha (about 25%) of Jocotoco’s Canande Reserve into the National Park System. The advantage is that this provides legal protection from all extractive uses – particularly mining. Jocotoco is working with the government and community groups to include the remaining areas. You can see Canande as Ecuador’s newest national park — # 78 on the attached map. This brings Ecuador’s National Park System coverage to almost 20% of the country.
Science Innovation in the Chocó
Effective conservation depends on having the best knowledge available. When Jocotoco started to work in the Chocó in 2000, almost nothing was known about the area and how complex it was. It was a very difficult region of the world to reach and get access to.
After much preliminary work, a coalition of German, Ecuadorian and other international researchers established a research program to explore and understand the Chocó. This led to the formation of the REASSEMBLY project led by Nico Blüthgen and Martin Schaefer – funded by the German Science Foundation.
In short, this is targeted research to understand how complex tropical forest ecosystems work and how ecosystems reassemble themselves after disturbance from forestry or agriculture. The GOOD NEWS is that almost everything can return within a human generation – nature is resilient if given a chance!
This photo montage shows some of the ecological conditions and age categories of forest being studied by researchers. Photo: REASSEMBLY.
Join us at Chautauqua!
Effective conservation depends on having the best knowledge available. When Jocotoco started to work in the Chocó in 2000, almost nothing was known about the area and how complex it was. It was a very difficult region of the world to reach and get access to.
After much preliminary work, a coalition of German, Ecuadorian and other international researchers established a research program to explore and understand the Chocó. This led to the formation of the REASSEMBLY project led by Nico Blüthgen and Martin Schaefer – funded by the German Science Foundation.
Join us at Chautauqua!
Thanks from all of us and happy spring!
David, Molly, Scott, Jerry, Meade, Wayne and Doug
ICF has a new website and fresh look for Spring! | Newsletter April 2024
At the International Conservation Fund we are also busily refreshing our look and our approach with the launch of a new website. We continue to fund important conservation work for our Canadian partner, but we are branching out to directly fund conservation projects as well. We at ICF, have organized our approach around four overarching themes: Saving Shorebirds; Working with Indigenous Peoples; Protecting Species, and Landscape-level Connectivity, emphasizing climate resiliency and mitigation and migratory corridors. Also new, we feature the work of our in-country field partners to emphasize their success as leaders in their regions who plan and implement community-led, long lasting conservation initiatives.
Take a tour and let us know what you think!
As always, your support makes this important mission possible. Spring is a nice time of year to pitch-in as we start a new year with new partners, and a renewed sense of hope!
Thanks from all of us and happy spring!
David, Molly, Scott, Jerry, Meade, Wayne and Doug