A census by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society reported 7,081 black-faced spoonbills globally, indicating a significant recovery from about 400 in 1995, newspaper Ponto Final reported. However, the species is still facing threats, particularly habitat loss, especially in regions like Macau where numbers are declining.
While the overall population is stable, specific areas are experiencing decreases. The current count in Macau is only 16 spoonbills, representing just 0.2% of the global total, marking it as the second-lowest in 25 years. The report emphasizes the need for increased conservation efforts in Macau due to ongoing urbanization and habitat degradation.
The article highlights the importance of understanding the habitat requirements of the black-faced spoonbill to ensure its future survival, especially in light of increasing threats from climate change and human activity.