Conservation and Management

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. One of the most charismatic of the world’s endangered bird species, it has attracted considerable attention since its plight became apparent (61 Tomkovich, P.S., Syroechkovski Jr, E.E., Lappo, E.G. and Zöckler, C. (2002). First indications of a sharp population decline in the globally threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. Bird Conservation International. 12(1): 1–18. Close ). It has a very small population that is declining extremely rapidly (see Demography and Populations: Population Status), the realization of which (61 Tomkovich, P.S., Syroechkovski Jr, E.E., Lappo, E.G. and Zöckler, C. (2002). First indications of a sharp population decline in the globally threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. Bird Conservation International. 12(1): 1–18. Close ) caused its uplisting from Vulnerable to Endangered in 2004, and to Critically Endangered in 2008 (BirdLife). It has probably always been fairly scarce due to its small range, restricted to a narrow coastal zone, combined with very specialized breeding habitat requirements, and although it has a relatively large wintering range, it occurs regularly at only a few sites (BirdLife). The most important sites are currently estimated to be the Gulf of Mottama (Martaban, a Ramsar site) and Nan Thar, Myanmar, and Sonadia Island, Bangladesh (69 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Back from the brink? An update on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea conservation programme. BirdingASIA 22:22–29. Close ), although there is also evidence that a significant proportion of the remaining population is wintering in southwestern Guangdong (southern China) (73 Pitches, A. (2016). News and Comment: Record numbers of wintering ‘Spoonies’ counted in China. British Birds 109(4):197. Close , 1 Green, R. E., K. K. S. Leung, N. A. Clark, G. Q. A. Anderson, K. Brides, Q. Chang, S. U. Chowdhury, J. A. Clark, M. Foysal, C. Zöckler, Y. Gerasimov, G. A. Gale, N. Iakushev, J. Khamaye, E. Lappo, D. S. Melville, P. S. Tomkovich, E. Weston, J. Weston, and Z. Yang. (2024). New estimate of the trend in world population size of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper suggests continuing decline. Wader Study 131(2): 122–131. Close ).

All of the available evidence indicates that the breeding range has contracted in recent decades (69 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Back from the brink? An update on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea conservation programme. BirdingASIA 22:22–29. Close ). Declines have occurred at all known breeding sites and it is unlikely that significant colonies remain to be discovered (BirdLife). The main threat appears to be habitat loss along the migration route (especially Korea and China) and in wintering areas (74 Moores, N., and C. Moores (2003). Saemangeum–a vital wetland. Bulletin of the Oriental Bird Club 37:47–49. Close , 33 Zöckler, C., Syroechkovskiy, E.E. and Atkinson, P.W. (2010). Rapid and continued population decline in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus indicates imminent extinction unless conservation action is taken. Bird Conservation International. 20(2): 95–111. Close , BirdLife), where tidal flats are being reclaimed for industry, infrastructure and aquaculture, and are becoming increasingly polluted, while other potentially threatening habitat changes have been reported at sites in eastern India (75 Balachandran, S. (1998). Status of Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Asian Dowitcher and threats to waders on the Indian east coast. Bulletin of the Oriental Bird Club 27:12–13. Close ) and Bangladesh (48 Bird, J. P., A. C. Lees, S. U. Chowdhury, R. Martin, and E. Ul Haque (2010). A survey of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in Bangladesh and key future research and conservation recommendations. Forktail 26:1–8. Close ). Hunting and accidental trapping continues to threaten the species across its nonbreeding range (76 Pedersen, A., S. S. Nielsen, L. D. Thuy, and L. T. Trai (1998). The status and conservation of threatened and near-threatened species of birds in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. Bird Conservation International 8(1):31–51. Close , 64 Zöckler, C. (2011). Saving the Soon-billed Sandpiper – an update. Birding World. 24(6): 262–264. Close , 77 Chowdhury, S. U. (2012). Survey and conservation of the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Bangladesh. Ibis 154(1):210–211. Close , 65 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper: an update on the conservation programme. British Birds 107(8):467–475. Close ). Other threats on breeding grounds include hunting and collection of birds by specimen collectors (33 Zöckler, C., Syroechkovskiy, E.E. and Atkinson, P.W. (2010). Rapid and continued population decline in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus indicates imminent extinction unless conservation action is taken. Bird Conservation International. 20(2): 95–111. Close ).

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Human activities pose significant threats to the Spoon-billed Sandpiper throughout its migratory and wintering ranges. The most pressing threat is the reclamation of tidal flats for coastal development, including industries, leisure facilities, infrastructure, aquaculture, and agriculture. These developments are particularly destructive to the intertidal mudflats that the species depends on during migration and wintering.

The reclamation of the Saemangeum and Geum estuaries in South Korea, which once served as important staging areas for thousands of migratory shorebirds, has drastically reduced the presence of Spoon-billed Sandpiper in the region. Since the completion of the Saemangeum reclamation in 2007, only a single individual has been recorded annually, compared to the hundreds that were observed before the development (78 Lee, J. K., O. S. Chung, J. Y. Park, H. J. Kim, W. H. Hur, S. H. Kim, and J. H. Kim (2018). Effects of the Saemangeum Reclamation Project on migratory shorebird staging in the Saemangeum and Geum Estuaries, South Korea. Bird Conservation International 28:238–250 Close ).

Other key sites, such as the Tiaozini wetlands within the Rudong mudflats in China, have also faced threats from large-scale reclamation projects. Plans for reclaiming over 60,000 hectares of mudflats by 2020 were expected to significantly impact this critical habitat (74 Moores, N., and C. Moores (2003). Saemangeum–a vital wetland. Bulletin of the Oriental Bird Club 37:47–49. Close , 52 Peng, H. B., G. Q. A. Anderson, Q. Chang, C. Y. Choi, S. U. Chowdhury, N. A. Clark, X. Gan, R. D. Hearn, J. Li, E. G. Lappo, W. Liu, Z. Ma, D. S. Melville, J. F. Phillips, E. E. Syroechkovskiy, M. Tong, S. Wang, L. Zhang, and C. Zöckler (2017). The intertidal wetlands of southern Jiangsu Province, China: Globally important for Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other threatened waterbirds, but facing multiple serious threats. Bird Conservation International 27:305–322 Close ). Fortunately, a national announcement in January 2018 put an end to further reclamation of intertidal lands in China, and these sites have been nominated for World Heritage status (29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ). Nevertheless, ongoing development, including new seawall constructions at Rudong, continues to pose a threat to the mudflats (52 Peng, H. B., G. Q. A. Anderson, Q. Chang, C. Y. Choi, S. U. Chowdhury, N. A. Clark, X. Gan, R. D. Hearn, J. Li, E. G. Lappo, W. Liu, Z. Ma, D. S. Melville, J. F. Phillips, E. E. Syroechkovskiy, M. Tong, S. Wang, L. Zhang, and C. Zöckler (2017). The intertidal wetlands of southern Jiangsu Province, China: Globally important for Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other threatened waterbirds, but facing multiple serious threats. Bird Conservation International 27:305–322 Close ).

Effects of Invasive Species

Invasive species like smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora [= Sporobolus alterniflorus]), introduced to stabilize mudflats for reclamation projects, have also significantly reduced the availability of suitable habitats for Spoon-billed Sandpiper. This invasive grass has spread rapidly across key sites, including Rudong and Dongling, forming dense stands that make the intertidal areas unsuitable for foraging (52 Peng, H. B., G. Q. A. Anderson, Q. Chang, C. Y. Choi, S. U. Chowdhury, N. A. Clark, X. Gan, R. D. Hearn, J. Li, E. G. Lappo, W. Liu, Z. Ma, D. S. Melville, J. F. Phillips, E. E. Syroechkovskiy, M. Tong, S. Wang, L. Zhang, and C. Zöckler (2017). The intertidal wetlands of southern Jiangsu Province, China: Globally important for Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other threatened waterbirds, but facing multiple serious threats. Bird Conservation International 27:305–322 Close ).

Hunting and Trapping

Hunting poses a critical threat to Spoon-billed Sandpiper, particularly in Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, and Myanmar, where they are frequently caught in nets intended for larger waders. Although not specifically targeted, the accidental capture of Spoon-billed Sandpiper in mist nets has contributed to a decline in their numbers (65 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper: an update on the conservation programme. British Birds 107(8):467–475. Close , 35 Zöckler, C., Chowdhury, S.U., Pyae Phyo Aung, Li, J., Hughes, B., Clark, N., Anderson, G. and Syroechkovskiy, E. (2018). Good progress in 2018 for Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea conservation despite some setbacks. BirdingASIA 30: 21–25. Close , 29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ). Hunting is especially detrimental to juvenile birds, which remain in non-breeding areas for up to two years, increasing their exposure to capture (33 Zöckler, C., Syroechkovskiy, E.E. and Atkinson, P.W. (2010). Rapid and continued population decline in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus indicates imminent extinction unless conservation action is taken. Bird Conservation International. 20(2): 95–111. Close ). However, recent conservation efforts aimed at reducing trapping on the wintering grounds have been successful in some regions, particularly in Bangladesh and Myanmar (65 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper: an update on the conservation programme. British Birds 107(8):467–475. Close , 36 Aung, P. P., S. Moses, N. A. Clark, G. Q. A. Anderson, G. M. Hilton, G. M. Buchanan, C. Zöckler, and R. E. Green. (2020). Recent changes in the number of Spoon-billed Sandpipers Calidris pygmaea wintering on the Upper Gulf of Mottama in Myanmar. Oryx 54(1): 23–29. Close ).

Accidental bycatch in fishing nets is another major concern, particularly in China, where monofilament nets are set over high tides in key migratory areas. In 2015, multiple birds, including one juvenile Spoon-billed Sandpiper, were found trapped in nets at Tiaozini during a single nocturnal high tide (52 Peng, H. B., G. Q. A. Anderson, Q. Chang, C. Y. Choi, S. U. Chowdhury, N. A. Clark, X. Gan, R. D. Hearn, J. Li, E. G. Lappo, W. Liu, Z. Ma, D. S. Melville, J. F. Phillips, E. E. Syroechkovskiy, M. Tong, S. Wang, L. Zhang, and C. Zöckler (2017). The intertidal wetlands of southern Jiangsu Province, China: Globally important for Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other threatened waterbirds, but facing multiple serious threats. Bird Conservation International 27:305–322 Close ). Although conservation efforts have reduced the use of illegal mist nets in some areas, such as south-west Guangdong Province, hunting and netting continue to threaten the species across parts of its range (65 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper: an update on the conservation programme. British Birds 107(8):467–475. Close , 29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ).

Pesticides and Other Contaminants/Toxics

Diseases and pollution may also contribute to mortality among the adult birds. However, little data are available to substantiate a direct link between high levels of heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) or other pollutants and the mortality of Spoon-billed Sandpiper. In 2014, a large number of waterbirds and other migratory species were found dead at a key staging areas in the Jiangsu Province near Rudong including at least two Spoon-billed Sandpiper. While pollution or avian disease may have caused this abrupt mortality during migration, the exact reason could not be determined (29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ).

Collisions with Stationary/Moving Structures or Objects

The Rudong mudflats are home to Asia’s largest wind farm, which presents a potential risk to the species during migration.

Human/Research Impacts

On the breeding grounds, human activity poses fewer immediate threats, but local disturbances such as nest destruction by dogs and human encroachment have been recorded near villages (79 Syroechkovski, E., C. Zöckler, and J. P. Bird (2009). Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus: last chance to save. BirdingASIA 12:109–111. Close ). Nest predation by foxes and skuas, combined with poor weather conditions, has further reduced breeding productivity (62 Tomkovich, P. S. (1998). Mating system and parental care in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. Russian Journal of Ornithology 31: 3–6. Close ,27 Syroechkovski, E. E., P. S. Tomkovich, M. Kashiwagi, I. A. Taldenkov, V. A. Buzin, E. G. Lappo, and C. Zöckler (2010). Population decline in the Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus) in northern Chukotka based on monitoring on breeding grounds. The Biological Bulletin 37(9):941–951. Close ).

Climate Change

Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on the species, as rising temperatures and shifting tundra ecosystems alter the species’ breeding habitat. Recent observations indicate that expanding bushes are encroaching on the southern tundra breeding grounds, while drying conditions in the northern range may limit access to food for breeding waders (29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ).

Conservation Areas

Information needed.

Conservation Measures and Habitat Measurement

A consortium of organizations in Europe and Asia is now involved in research and conservation activities, especially in Russia, where main breeding areas are closely monitored each breeding season and many birds individually marked, to permit identification on passage and in winter without retrapping (41 Syroechkovski, E. (2004). Brief notes on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmeus Conservation Programme during summer 2004. BirdingASIA 2:68–69. Close ). There is some evidence that work to eliminate, or at least reduce, trapping of shorebirds, among them this species, on the wintering grounds is starting to have effect (80 Pain, D., R. Green, and N. Clark (2011). Bird on the edge: can the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus be saved? BirdingASIA 15:26–35. Close ), with considerable efforts being made to raise the awareness of local peoples to its plight (69 Clark, N., D. Pain, and R. Green (2014). Back from the brink? An update on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea conservation programme. BirdingASIA 22:22–29. Close ).

A captive-rearing and breeding program commenced in 2011, with eggs collected in Chukotka, Russia, and young reared at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust facilities in the UK (29 BirdLife International (2024). Species factsheet: Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Close ). In October 2024, the captive population numbered only two birds. In addition, since 2012, eggs are being hatched and young raised in captivity close to the breeding sites, and then released to migrate south with wild-bred juveniles – this intervention is popularly known as headstarting (60 Digby, R., B. Hughes, and N. Jarrett (2013). Headstarting the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Russia, 2013. Avicultural Magazine 119(4):146–159. Close , 81 Lee, R., R. A. Digby, and P. S. Tomkovich (2015). The Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea head-starting programme in 2015. BirdingASIA 24:104–107. Close , 49 Loktionov, E. Y., R. A. Digby, N. N. Yakushev, I. A. Shepelev, J. P. Clements, P. S. Tomkovich, N. S. Jarrett, N. A. Clark, R. E. Green, E. G. Lappo, and E. E. Syroechkovskiy. (2023). Evaluating the impact of headstarting on the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea. Diversity 15(4):584. Close ).