Inhabiting Condition and Preservation of Black-faced Spoonbill around Ganghwa County

Abstract

Regular monitoring on the Black-faced Spoonbill and survey on their breeding were performed in the vicinity of Ganghwa County from August 2002 till July 2003 in order to understand the inhabiting conditions of the endangered species of the bird (EN) defined by IUCN. Maximum 230 individuals of the Black-faced Spoonbill around the County were observed at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa, which was the largest and 51 at Gyodongdo Island, 55 at Boreumdo Island while one at Seokmodo Island. No Black-faced Spoonbill was observed at Jumundo Island. For the inhabiting status of the bird as per the time of survey, 203 individuals were observed in August 2002, which was recorded as the largest of its kinds, on the other hand, only 5 individuals were found in March, which was the least. No Black-faced Spoonbill was observed from November till February of the following year. For the areas of survey, more individuals of the endangered bird were observed at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa during the period of survey than other areas and it is because the bird took a rest at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa and fed their foods. Breeding of the bird was verified at Yudo Island, Seokdo Island, Bido Island and Suribongdol Island and the breeding status as per each island is 100 individuals at Yudo Island, 10 at Seokdo Island, 8 at Bido Island and 5 at Suribongdol Island. On the other hand, the Black-faced Spoonbill found at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa fed their foods at the nearby rice paddy during May and June. Heavy rainfall in 2007 and the pressure on developing the area surrounding Ganghwdo Island may force the endangered birds to breed at the artificial island of the Incheon Songdo International City or the main inhibiting place is in danger of vanishing. In order to protect the Black-faced Spoonbill, therefore, development and use of not only the tidal flat but also the rice paddy that is the wetland with fresh water and shallow tidal flat should be minimized. Also, converting to the eco-friendly development plan of the reclaimed land and collecting information to restore the inhabiting place of Black-faced Spoonbill is essential.