Species abundance and conservation of coastal wintering waterbirds in Hainan Island, China

Abstract

Wintering waterbirds surveys were conducted throughout the coastal areas of Hainan, China, from 2003 to 2005, with the aim of further strengthening the conservation and management of wetlands in Hainan Island. A total of 68 species were recorded at 20 coastal wetlands. Three recently found wintering sites for the globally endangered Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor), i.e. Houshui Bay of Lingao, Beili Bay of Dongfang Counties and Sanya River in Sanya City were then extensively monitored during a period of 2003-2009. The largest number of birds were egrets and herons, followed by shorebirds, gulls and terns. On average, the total number of species and individuals at sites with mangrove forests we re significantly greater than those of sites without mangrove forests. Some sites, important for conservation, were identified, such as Bopu Bay, Huanglonggang, Houshui Bay, Yangpugang, Beili Bay, Yinggehai, Sanya River, Qinlangang and Dongzhaigang. Thus, human disturbance at the se import ant sites should be avoided.