Chinese Crested Tern Thalasseus bernsteini is one of the rarest seabird in the world which previously assumed as extinct. The latest record was found in 1937 in Mainland China. We thought we would never see this species again! Until the year 2000
Lost over 60 years
Chinese Crested Tern Thalasseus bernsteini is one of the rarest seabird in the world which previously assumed as extinct. The latest record was found in 1937 in Mainland China. We thought we would never see this species again! Until the year 2000, a mere four pairs were rediscovered and found nesting in an islet in the Matsu Islands, Taiwan. This great news shocked the world. There are fewer than 100 Chinese Crested Terns left at present. As a result, this species is now listed as Critically Endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of its extremely small population.
Chinese Crested Tern is a migratory bird and usually found accompanied with a similar Greater Crested Terns most of the time. They have similar behaviour and share similar sites and habitats. Since the Chinese Crested Tern “reappeared”, we ought to understand the biology of the species so that we could formulate a conservation plan to safeguard them. Lately, more individuals were found breeding in Korea, transiting in Japan and the Philippines, and wintering in Indonesia.
We know where they go, and then… …
To accurately tracking the Chinese Crested Tern, the research team is planning to put a satellite tracking transmitter in a Chinese Crested Tern in its wintering site in Indonesia early next year. Conducting satellite tracking in wintering site is considered to be more save and effective.
We know where they go, and then… …
Later, when the bird heads north to its breeding ground, we can track down the detailed migration route of this mysterious bird. Then we need to work with every person and organizations along the migration route to formulate a comprehensive strategy to conserve this bird, including set up tern reserve, etc.
HKBWS and international experts and researchers
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society has followed the Chinese Crested Tern closely since it reappeared. We have been working with BirdLife International, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Oregon State University and the research team from mainland China since 2012. An International team of tern experts and seabird researchers was form for the trial study in Feb 2018, which include experienced researchers from USA, Japan, Hong Kong and local partners from Indonesia. This team will work again for this proposed study in coming winter.
