Result of Waterbird Count in Indonesia: the Asian Waterbird Census 2016 as part of the International Waterbird Census 50
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Asian Waterbird Census
Wetlands International Indonesia in collaboration with Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been successfully organized the Asian Waterbird Census 2016, as part of the International Waterbird Census 50 (IWC 50).
A total of 160 observers/volunteers of 40 government, non-government, birdwatching clubs and individual participated on this January 2016 census. Data of 83 counts for 78 sites have been collected, covering 17 provinces of main Indonesian islands (Java, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua), and 2 provinces of neighbouring Timor Leste. The census covered 7 conservation areas (national parks and nature reserves) of Indonesia.
The census listed a total of 30,292 waterbirds of 88 species or about 45% of Indonesian waterbirds, including 25 protected species in Indonesia, 3 Endangered species according to IUCN Red List, 2 vulnerable and 9 Near Threatened. Hunting/poaching regarded as the major threat, in addition to domestic sewage, cutting of vegetation and industrial waste.
The result of Asian Waterbird Census 2016 indicated that the successful implementation of the census is mainly supported by i) the engagement of dedicated officer; at least during the census period, ii) wide network engagement, iii) intensive use of social media, iv) responsive two way communication between
organizer and volunteers, v) face-to-face coaching/lecture, and vi) recognition of volunteer’s Contribution, e.g. mention on social media, reports and provision of international certificate.