Critically Endangered Research Articles

Myrsine cirrhosa (Primulaceae), a distinctive new shrub species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood (Primulaceae), a new single-island endemic shrub species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated. Notes on its distribution, ecology and conservation status are included. The new species is known from an area with ca. 45 individuals, where it is restricted to the remote central windward region of Kaua‘i in open bogs and along open windy ridges. Suggested IUCN Red List status is CR (Critically Endangered). It differs from its Kaua‘i congeners by its longer petals and narrowly elliptic leaves with strongly undulate margins and tendril-like apex. Phylogenetic analysis using RADseq data supports the recognition of this new species.

New insights into population structure, demographic history, and effective population size of the critically endangered blue shark Prionace glauca in the Mediterranean Sea.

The blue shark, Prionace glauca, is the most abundant pelagic shark in the open ocean but its vulnerability remains poorly understood while being one of the most fecund sharks. In the Mediterranean Sea, the blue shark is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species is facing a strong decline due to fishing, and scientific data regarding its genetic structure and vulnerability are still lacking. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, demographic history, and population structure of the blue shark within the Mediterranean Sea, from samples of the Gulf of Lion and Malta, using sequences of the mtDNA control region and 22 microsatellite markers. We also compared our mitochondrial data to previous studies to examine the Atlantic-Mediterranean population structure. We assessed the blue shark's genetic vulnerability in the Mediterranean basin by modelling its effective population size. Our results showed a genetic differentiation between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean basins, with limited gene flow between the two areas, and distinct demographic histories making the Mediterranean population an independent management unit. Within the Mediterranean Sea, no sign of population structure was detected, suggesting a single population across the Western and Central parts of the sea. The estimated effective population size was low and highlighted the high vulnerability of the Mediterranean blue shark population, as the estimated size we calculated might not be sufficient to ensure the long-term persistence of the population. Our data also provide additional evidence that the Gulf of Lion area acts as a nursery for P. glauca, where protection is essential for the conservation strategy of the species in the Mediterranean.

Conservation and Landscape Evaluation of Some Endangered Species in Türkiye

In addition to in-situ conservation activities related to endangered taxa, it has a great importance to provide ex-situ conservation activities to increase awareness and to determine their usage areas by examining reproduction methods. In the line with, the aim of the study is to prevent the extinction of some endangered endemic taxa in Ayaş, Beypazarı and Nallıhan regions of Ankara province in Türkiye, to evaluate the taxa within the framework of sustainable conservation and use principles by raising awareness, and thus to protect the biodiversity in the region. For these purposes, during their vegetation periods throughout the years 2020-2022, some observations were recorded in landscape point of view from the habitats of 9 Critically Endangered (CR) and 3 Vulnerable (VU) taxa. Moreover, all the taxa are photographed and have been archived in the Collections of National Botanical Garden of Türkiye (NBGT) as National Herbarium (TC), DNA and Tissue Banks. Also, samples have been kept in 70% EtOH for Microscobic Slide Collection of NBGT. In addition, the possibilities of using taxa in the landscape area were evaluated. The results of the habitat observations for years serve as a basis for future conservation and landscape gain efforts for the taxa.

Using social media image to identify threatened elasmobranch species caught by a small-scale fishery in a data-poor area.

Sharing fishing activity via social media attracts millions of views. The data from these shares includes key information for a fisheries database such as the species present in the catches and in many cases the number of specimens caught. Many countries in the Global South do not have official information about basic data on fishing activity, especially small-scale activity. In many of such countries like Brazil, overfishing poses a significant threat to numerous threatened species, including elasmobranchs, due to the frailty of fisheries management and law enforcement. The lack of a national (Brazil) data collection program makes sharing data on social media a potential source of fisheries related information. Hence, this study aimed to verify the potential of social media data to describe artisanal fishing and identify elasmobranch species caught by a small-scale fleet in a data-poor Equatorial Southwest Atlantic region. The identification of elasmobranch species was made based on 250 videos shared by local fishers publicly on social media (Youtube™). Among these, sharks and rays were observed in 19 (8%) and 42 (17%) videos, respectively. A total of 98 specimens were recorded, of which 80% could be identified to a species level. Most of the records comprised the stingrays Hypanus berthalutzae and Hypanus guttatus, while Ginglymostoma cirratum was the most recorded shark. More than half of the elasmobranch species recorded are listed at some level of threat according to the IUCN Red List. According to the Brazilian legislation, at least 20% of the species identified in these videos are considered Endangered (EN) or Critically Endangered (CR). Therefore, fishing activity shared via social media can be considered effective in identifying threatened elasmobranch species, as well as providing data on species occurrence, number of specimens, or rare sightings. It is suggested that fishing activity shared via social media be used in parallel with traditional methods (e.g. on-board data and landing observations) to obtain fisheries information and data about endangered species in data poor areas.

Psychotria pendens (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae), a new ultramafic species from Central Palawan, Philippines

Psychotria pendens from the lowland ultramafic forest of Mt. Victoria, Palawan Island, Philippines is herein described as a new species of Rubiaceae. The new species is morphologically similar to P. rubiginosa (Gitingensis species group) by having monochotomous inflorescence and oblanceolate to oblong-elliptic leaves but is distinguished by its large, leaf-like, valvate stipules with biattenuate to biacuminate tips, pendent inflorescence, glabrous abaxial leaf surface, narrowly triangular bracts, and glabrous calyx. Molecular analysis revealed that this newly discovered species belongs to the Pacific Psychotria clade, and is allied to the Philippine species P. luzoniensis and Hawaiian species P. mariniana. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Assessment of Fisheries Diversity in Mathabhanga River in the Southwestern Part of Bangladesh

Mathabhanga is an important and well-known river in the southwestern part of Bangladesh due to its role in fish production and as a vital income source for numerous fishermen. The study was carried out from August 2022 to July 2023 to reveal the existing aquatic resources and their composition, along with diversity, richness, and evenness indices. A comprehensive list of 57 distinct fish species has been documented, spanning across 8 orders, 22 families, and 42 genera. Within these, the Cypriniformes order exhibited the highest diversity in terms of both species count and observed individuals. Among the fish species inhabiting the Mathabhanga river, approximately 29.83% are considered threatened in Bangladesh, comprising 14.04% categorized as vulnerable (VU), 14.04% as endangered (EN), and 1.75% as critically endangered (CR). Overall values of the diversity index ranged from 2.45 to 3.15, richness was 3.81 to 6.17, and evenness index was 0.72 to 0.84. The investigation revealed that fish biodiversity in the Mathabhanga River has been steadily decreasing. This study suggested that fisheries should be managed through community-based fisheries management, establishing fish sanctuary, water pollution control, maintenance of fishing gear, and the implementation of the Fish Act for the sustainable management of fish biodiversity in the Mathabhanga River. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 1, April 2024: 93-103

Primulaweiliei (Primulaceae), a new species from Hubei, Central China.

In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Primulaweiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, from the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province in Central China. It is morphologically assigned to Primulasect.Aleuritia based on its dwarf and hairless habit, long petiole, fruits longer than calyx and covered by farina on the scape. This new species is similar to P.gemmifera and P.munroisubsp.yargongensis in the same section, but it can be distinguished by its smaller calyxes, homostylous flowers, corolla tube throat without annular appendage and only 1-2 flowers in each inflorescence. Based on the assessment conducted according to the IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that P.weiliei be classified as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.

Cheniella tsoongii (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), a rare, critically endangered new species from southern China

We describe here a rare, critically endangered new species of the genus Cheniella from Guangdong province of southern China. Cheniella tsoongii is morphologically similar to C. corymbosa, and can be distinguished by having a combination of deeply-bilobed hairy leaves, white flowers, shorter hypanthia, yellow anthers, and densely ferruginous-tomentose inflorescence rachides, pedicles and hypanthia. We suggest assessing the conservation status of the species as Critically Endangered (CR) as it possesses an extremely high risk of extinction based on the rapid population declines during the last century and, only no more than 10 individuals remain in an environmentally unprotected area now. Urgent conservation studies and actions are necessary to prevent the extinction of this species.

Molecular phylogenetic studies on Asparagus (Asparagaceae) revealed the position of the highly endangered Irano-Turkish halophytic species A. lycaonicus P.H.Davis related to A. officinalis L.

Asparagus lycaonicus P.H.Davis (Asparagaceae), a highly interesting halophytic species was found in two disjunct populations of ca. 1550 km aerial distance, one in Central Anatolia (Bolluk Salt Lake) and the other in Central Iran (Meyghan Salt Lake). Using one nuclear phytochrome C (PHYC) and two plastid regions (trnH-psbA and trnD-T) the phylogenetic position of this Irano-Turkish endemic species was studied. In contrast to low resolution of plastid sequences, the PHYC provides good resolution for understanding species level phylogeny in SW Asian Asparagus. Molecular data confirms a conspecific position of the two disjunct localities in Turkey and Iran and their position in a clade containing cultivated Asparagus and many other Irano-Turkish species. Asparagus lycaonicus is extremely rare in Iran and since its discovery in 1986, it has never been rediscovered in Iran, even in its initial collection site. Intensive land use activities, water level changes and the passage of Arak wastewater into the Meyghan Salt Lake area has drastically changed the habitat of A. lycaonicus and might have caused its extinction. Since its discovery in 1960 in Turkey, the species is only found in a small area around and inside a sodic extraction factory around Bolluk Lake. Considering the critical condition of its populations in Iran and Turkey, we evaluate the conservation status of Asparagus lycaonicus as Critically Endangered (CR). In conclusion we urge the authorities to implement in situ measures for conservation and restoration of the habitats of A. lycaonicus, a halophytic species related to cultivated Asparagus. The taxonomic status of some newly described Asparagus from Iran is discussed with reducing A. touranensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. griffithii Baker., A. khorasanensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. breslerianus Schult. & Schult.f, and Asparagus bojnurdensis Hamdi & Assadi to synonym of A. verticillatus L.

Aspleniumguodanum (Aspleniaceae), a distinct new fern species from northern Guangdong, China, based on morphological data and molecular phylogeny.

A new spleenwort species, Aspleniumguodanum, was found and described from Danxia landform region in Guangdong, China. The new species has close resemblance to A.subcrenatum Ching ex S.H.Wu in morphology, but can be distinguished by having plants small, stipes and rachises not covered with fibrous scales, relatively fewer pairs of pinnae, pinnae short, pinna margin weakly biserrate, pinna apex acute and lower pinnae obviously reduced. Phylogenetic analyses, based on six plastid markers (atpB, rbcL, rps4 & rps4-trnS and trnL & trnL-F) of the new species and its relatives, support a close relationship between A.guodanum and A.subcrenatum. Only one population with no more than 50 individuals were found and, therefore, it is recommended to be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List Criteria.

Primulina hoangmongii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from northern Vietnam

Primulina hoangmongii, a new species from Yen Bai Province of northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. albicalyx in its robust rhizome, rosette leaves, and yellow flowers. However, P. hoangmongii is clearly distinguished by its linear to narrowly-lanceolate bracts, 8–12 × 2–3 mm (vs. narrowly ovate to ovate, 18–25 × 9–14 mm), green calyx (vs. white), rich yellow corolla (vs. pale yellowish), base of the upper lip flat, thin and rich pure yellow (vs. swelling between lobes, yellow-brownish), and a ligulate, entire stigma (vs. deltoid, 2-lobed). The conservation status of P. hoangmongii is preliminarily assessed according to IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered (CR).

Endemic amphibians of the Cerrado and Caatinga: species richness, geographic range and conservation

The Cerrado and the Caatinga have few formally protected areas and encompass a high diversity of amphibians, which is still relatively unknown. In this study we present the list of amphibian species endemic to the Cerrado or Caatinga and their geographic range, highlighting current conservation status. We obtained the species list from the compilation of scientific publications (up to July 2022). We obtained the occurrence records from the databases SpeciesLink, GBIF, Portal da Biodiversidade and literature. We classified the species in the categories of threat according to the Brazilian list of threatened species and the global list of threatened species. We compiled 2,659 occurrences of amphibians, 1,335 from the SpeciesLink platform, 414 from GBIF, 371 from the Biodiversity Portal and 539 obtained from the literature. We recorded 100 endemic species, 82 from the Cerrado and 18 from the Caatinga. The Cerrado has three species Vulnerable (VU) (Boana buriti, Bokermannohyla napolii and Scinax pinimus), one Critically Endangered (CR) (Proceratophrys moratoi), 14 species Data Deficient (DD), 46 in the Least Concern (LC) category and 18 Not Evaluated (NE). The Caatinga has three species CR (Adelophryne maranguapensis, Proceratophrys ararype, Rhinella casconi), three DD, five LC and seven NE. Threatened, DD and NE species have few records within the protected areas of Cerrado and Caatinga. We consider that the Cerrado and Caatinga present a rich diversity of endemic amphibians, which have a geographic range relatively reduced, especially the threatened ones, DD and NE. Distribution and taxonomy data are essential, because the lack can hinder the assessment of conservation status, since threatened species, DD, NE, including LC, may be undervalued and at risk. Keywords: amphibia, distribution, endemism, species list, species protection

CONSERVATION STATUS AND RESEARCH ON PROPAGATION OF <i>CAMELLIA PIQUETIANA</i> IN LAM DONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Camellia piquetiana, one of the endemic species of Vietnam, is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN. A reassessment of its conservation status and research into propagation methods are essential for its conservation. Our survey recorded 246 mature individuals in the wild at three locations in Lam Dong Province: Bao Loc City, Bao Lam District, and Da Huoai District. The conservation assessment for this species, determined with GeoCat software, is still CR. Propagation by partially uncoated seeds had a higher propagation efficiency than by coated seeds. The germination percentage was 92.22%; the seeds began germination after 11 days and finished after 29.33 days. The results showed that stem cuttings immersed in a concentration of 500 ppm indole-3-butyric acid for 10 minutes with a 100% coir substrate gave the highest survival percentage (90.00%), rooting percentage (86.67%), average number of roots (4.54), root length (4.86 cm), and rooting index (21.98) after 90 days.

A botanical expedition in Eastern Alborz (Iran): rare plant species and assessing their conservation status

This study is a part of an ongoing floristic study in Eastern Alborz mountain range (Iran). The flora and vegetation of this area are less known compared to those of Central Alborz. The study area indicates the regionally significant connection between the Kopet Dagh-Khorassan and Central Alborz. A total of 41 rare-threatened taxa belonging to 26 genera and 15 families are presented. According to the IUCN criteria, our checklist identifies 3 taxa classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 19 taxa as Endangered (EN), 4 taxa as Vulnerable (VU), 4 taxa as Near Threatened (NT), 3 taxa as Least Concern (LC), and 8 taxa as Data Deficient (DD). Among them, 28 are hemicryptophytes, followed by chamaephytes (7 species), geophytes (4 species), and therophytes (2 species). During 10 years of field investigations on the semi-arid areas of Eastern Alborz, some rare-threatened endemic species have been rediscovered in the region. Geographic distribution maps of all rare species together with the accompanying species and their conservation status were drawn up. It is noteworthy that some rare species are known only from their locus classicus and no new specimens have been collected during the last 30 to 80 years. A total of 10 taxa were reported for the first time from Eastern Alborz, primarily exhibiting a disjunct distribution pattern occurring in the high elevations of Zagros, Alborz and/or other mountain ranges in SW Asia.

Habitat characterization and decline of Critically Endangered Onobrychis conferta subsp. conferta

Rare endemic plant species are very susceptible to anthropogenic threats and natural changes, thereby facing a high risk of extinction. The Mediterranean Basin supports a rich flora with high percentages of endemic species. An iconic case of Mediterranean narrow endemic plant taxon is represented by Onobrychis conferta subsp. conferta (Desf.) Desv. (Fabaceae). Management of this species requires better information on its habitat requirements and population status. Field surveys and historical records were used to characterize the distribution of O. conferta in Tunisia. Habitats were characterized using topography, soils, climate, and land cover variables. Expeditions on ten previously reported sites revealed the presence of O. conferta in only one of the previous recorded localities and, for the first time, in two new localities. We recorded a sharp decreasing trend for the total number of plants per population in all locations over 6-year period. Our findings showed that the current status of O. conferta in Tunisia is Critically Endangered (CR). Onobrychis conferta faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Therefore, prompt comprehensive conservation actions are needed to ensure its survival. We propose a conservation and recovery recommendations including in situ and ex situ conservation actions. In situ actions are aimed at minimizing the effects of the identified threats and to create new populations of O. conferta in its characterized habitat. Ex situ actions include an environmental education campaign and seed preservation.

Presenting Eco-Anatomical Data for Saponaria jagelii, a Species on the Edge of the Blade.

The seeds, roots, leaves, flowers and fruits of the critically endangered (CR) species Saponaria jagelii Phitos & Greuter (Caryophyllaceae) were studied. The morphology of the seeds was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The seeds were imbibed, germinated and developed into young plants. These plants, along with strictly selected wild-growing plants, were used for optical microscopic observations. The leaves and flowers were observed with scanning electron microscopy as well. At least two types of active glandular trichomes were detected on both the leaves and the calyxes of the flowers. The structures of the primary and secondary roots were also investigated. The roots turned into secondary structures very quickly and very close to the root tip. Light microscopy and histochemical reagents were employed to detect secondary metabolites of interest in the leaves. All the metabolites detected were already reported to be synthesized in stressed plants. Distribution data are presented. Conservation actions based on the habitat morphology and the human activities within it, such as the limitation of beach access during the seed-dispersing period and the prohibition of vehicle usage, are recommended in order to protect this tolerant yet severely stressed plant species.

REDISCOVERY OF <i>CAMELLIA TONKINENSIS</i> (PIT.) COHEN-STUART (THEACEAE) ON MT. BA VI, HANOI, VIETNAM

Camellia specimens were collected from Mt. Ba Vi, Ba Vi National Park, during field surveys in 2022 (flowers) and 2023 (fruit). On the basis of morphological analyses, we determined that the morphology of these specimens matched that of Camellia tonkinensis. The characteristics of the specimens included papery-textured, elliptic or broad elliptic leaves with acuminate to narrowly acuminate apices, obtuse to rounded bases, petioles with channeled adaxial surfaces, tomentose gynoecia, 3(–4)-coccate capsules, and 1(–2) seeds per locule. A comparison of the morphological characteristics of the 2022 and 2023 collections (DL 220901, Dl 230201) was made with the type specimen (B. Balansa 3860, 1887) and the 2014 collections from Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve (N. Q. Hieu et al. CPC616, CPC673, CPC712, CPC776). The characteristics and photographs of the rediscovered species from Mt. Ba Vi are presented herein. From the latest field surveys, the IUCN conservation status of Camellia tonkinensis was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Butterflies of two atlantic forest conservation units from Paraíba state, northeast of Brazil

Conservation Units are areas legally established by the government with the goal of conserving territory and its natural resources. Given the limited knowledge about the invertebrate biodiversity in the Northern Atlantic Forest, including its legally protected areas, the present study aimed to inventory butterfly species in two Conservation Units of the Northern Atlantic Forest in Paraíba, Brazil: Engenho Gargaú Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Gargaú) and Mata do Xém-xém State Park (PE Xém-xém), both located in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa. We conducted the collections every two months, over three consecutive days, in six expeditions from February 2013 to April 2014 in RPPN Gargaú and in four expeditions from August 2014 to April 2015 in PE Xém-xem. Additionally, a two-day collecting expedition was carried out in August 2021 in RPPN Gargaú. We employed two sampling methods: Van Someren-Rydon traps and entomological nets. A total of 212 species (2,841 specimens) were recorded, 158 (1,867 specimens) in RPPN Gargaú and 129 (974 specimens) in PE Xém-xém. Overall, Hesperiidae was the richest family (81 spp.), followed by Nymphalidae (70), Riodinidae (22), Lycaenidae (22), Pieridae (12), and Papilionidae (4). Out of the total species, 48 are new records for Paraíba, and seven for northeast Brazil. Notably, the record of Morpho menelaus eberti Weber, 1963 in RPPN Gargaú, a subspecies classified as Critically Endangered (CR), stands out. The results emphasize the need to protect the forest remnants in the region, as well as to develop management and monitoring actions for butterflies and other invertebrates.

Using local ecological knowledge to determine the status of Cantor's giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii in Kerala, India

AbstractThe Critically Endangered Cantor's giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii is a freshwater turtle found in South and Southeast Asia. Its population is declining because of habitat destruction and alteration, and hunting for its meat. Data on the species’ ecology, behaviour, population size, distribution and threats are limited, and previous surveys undertaken in India have failed to detect individuals in the wild. This lack of data hinders strategic conservation planning. Ecologists and conservationists increasingly utilize local ecological knowledge to determine the status and gain insights into the ecology of threatened and rare species that are difficult to detect in field studies. To examine the historical and current occurrence of Cantor's giant softshell turtle, we conducted community interviews along the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. With data from these interviews, we identified multiple sites where the species continues to occur. Older respondents and those that used the river for fishing and irrigation were more likely to report sightings of the species. Our findings also improved knowledge about the turtles’ seasonal and diel activity patterns. A network of key informants identified through the interviews provided information on turtle bycatch, sightings and nesting. This network is being utilized for the continued monitoring of the species and could help in devising evidence-based management strategies for softshell turtles in India. These methods can also be adopted more widely for other threatened species of freshwater turtles globally.

Examination of Neediness of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures in Conservation of Threatened Migrant Birds and Breeding Residents in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers habitats to 522 avifauna species at present, including 278 migrant species. Many migrant species are waterbirds and 75% of migrants depend on Sri Lankan w Sri Lanka is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity and has legal obligations to conserve biodiversity. Except for the migratory avifauna, the bird species in schedule IV of the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance receive legal protection outside PAs. Sri Lanka is also a party to the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) which holds states responsible for the protection of migrant species, however, according to the National Report–2019, No arrangements and agreements affecting migratory species changed recently, and no waterbirds are included in Appendix I. Against this backdrop, the objective of the study was to examine the appropriate and effective conservation approach. Gangewadiya area in the Lower Kala Oya Basin in Puttalam is one of the four richest waterbird regions in Sri Lanka having ideal habitat for migratory waterbirds, was selected as the study area to examine the neediness for other area-based conservation measures. The study was limited to the threatened, migratory avifauna species, and desk review, conceptual modeling, and Pressure-State-Response methods were chosen to identify and analyze threats and responses. The Biodiversity Baseline Survey Report, 2017; reported 39 Migratory Birds (M) and 142 Breeding Residents (BR) including 03 Critically Endangered (CR), 01 Endangered (EN), and 02 Vulnerable (VU) species in the study area. Sterna Nilotic Gmelin, 1,789, Sterna albifrons Pallas, 1,764, and Merops philippinus Linnaeus, 1,766 are BR & M, CR species, not found in Appendix II of CMS. Falco tinnunculus is an Uncertain M, EN found in schedule IV of FFPO, while mentioned in Appendix II of CMS. Charadrius dubius and Charadrius alexandrines are BR & M, VU is identified as the Appendix II taxa for which Sri Lanka is a Range State that demands international cooperation for conservation. These threatened, migratory/breeding residents range not managed as PAs and are adversely impacted due to conversion of land uses, changes in salinity, hydrology, water pollution, and expansion of prawn and salt production. This poses threat to species already nationally threatened, and species called for international obligation for conservation; since disturbances in strategic points along the flyways, breeding, and wintering grounds can badly affect them. Therefore, Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures are required to minimize the key threat to ranges of migratory birds and breeding residents of Sri Lanka.
 Keywords: Threatened migratory waterbirds, Obligation for conservation, Range, Protected areas, Other effective area-based conservation measures