A systematic network-based migratory bird monitoring and protection system is needed in China

Abstract

[Extract] The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is the most threatened flyway worldwide, encompassing the greatest number of threatened migratory bird species of all flyways on Earth [1]. This is largely attributed to pronounced human-bird conflicts in Asia, leading to elevated rates of habitat loss, degradation, and illegal hunting [2], [3]. During the last few decades, there was extensive degradation of Asia’s inland [4] and coastal wetlands [5], vital habitats used by migratory species during their annual migration, spanning from Arctic Russia and Alaska to the southern limits of Australia and New Zealand. The impact of this widespread habitat loss is becoming increasingly obvious.