Japan declining birds

SERIOUS DECLINE IN YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING & SIX OTHER SPECIES

Hokkaido Census – Changes in Habitat in Overseas Wintering Grounds.

Of the 32 species of breeding summer birds from Hokkaido that winter overseas, the populations of six species including the Yellow-breasted Bunting, (designated by the Ministry of Environment’s Red Data Book as in critical danger of extinction), when compared with data from 12 years previously have rapidly declined according to research done by the Environment Research Centre of Hokkaido University. The centre believes that changes in habitats at the overwintering grounds of these birds in China and other countries may be the cause of the declines.

The centre carried out the research in 2002 and 2003. At a total of 27 sites in a total of ten regions in the Kushiro Marshes and Sarobetsu Grasslands, observers walked and counted birds using the same techniques as those used in censuses carried out by prefectural and national departments between 1974 to 1985. The results were then compared with the prior research.

According to the results, the populations of Yellow-breasted Bunting, Brown Shrike (the above are designated as critically threatened), Skylark, Olive-backed Pipit, Lanceolated Warbler and Chestnut-cheeked Starling have all decreased.

Past research confirmed that the Yellow-breasted Bunting was found at 23 sites but the research this time found it at only five sites in the Kushiro Marshes and Sarobetsu Plains. Brown Shrike was previously found at six sites, now only at one site at Lake Tofutsu; Chestnut-cheeked Starling was previously confirmed at 12 sites, but this time only at 4 sites on the Notsuke Peninsular amongst others.

According to the Environment Research Centre, the causes of these decreases in numbers of wild birds such as Yellow-breasted Bunting may be that the preferred wetlands are drying out but even in places where there has been little change in the habitat the number of individuals has decreased. It is thought that environmental changes in overwintering sites in China and other countries could be one cause of the declines.

According to Yamada Ryozou from the Sapporo Branch of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, the Yellow-breasted Bunting with its beautiful song was once seen regularly within the city limits but recently its song has ceased to be heard. "In China and South East Asia many species are exterminated because of the damage they do to rice crops. We need international conservation efforts", says Yamada.

From the Hokkaido Shimbun (10^th June 2004 afternoon edition)

Some replies from the Oriental Birding email forum:

Thanks for that sobering article on the declining populations of many migratory birds. In Malaysia, it seemed to me that Brown Shrikes were noticeably less numerous last winter than in previous years. The fate of many birds hang on how they fare in all their range countries, in both their breeding grounds as well as in their wintering quarters. Obviously, conservation efforts have to include all range countries. Regards, Kim Chye Malaysia

further to this note, I found recently that in adjacent DPR Korea Brown Shrike seems to have declined greatly in and around Pyongyang from its apparent status 20-40 years ago. Olive-backed Pipit remains a common passage migrant and there are insufficient details about breeding populations to assess whether or not the species has declined in northern Korea. I didn't have access to extensive suitable habitat for the other species. I am now in the process of writing up various observation from Korea, including the current status of Brown Shrike, and would be very grateful for any pointers from anyone towards other published data/opinions on recent status. best wishes Will Duckworth