Endangered Birds Of Thailand

Scientific Name: Eurochelidon sirintarae

World Status: Critically Endangered
Status in Thailand: Extinct

Whilst the White-eyed River Martin is officially listed as critically endangered it is almost certainly globally extinct. Known only from a handful of specimens obtained by Kitti Thonglongya in 1968 near Bueng Boraphet, central Thailand, whilst surveying migratory birds. On several other occasions a few birds were discovered at the same location, but there have been no confirmed sightings since 1980, despite large numbers of ornithologists and birdwatchers being active in the area, although there was one unconfirmed "sighting" of White-eyed River Martin made in Cambodia in 2004.

Almost nothing is known of the White-eyed River Martin's ecology, although if it depends on large rivers to breed, as does its closest relative the African River Martin, the Mekong would be the obvious place that may provide the most suitable nesting habitat. Considering the large scale ecological damage that has occurred on that river it is likely that most, if not all, potential White-eyed River Martin breeding habitat has been destroyed.

White-eyed River Martin is certainly extinct in Thailand and the chances of it surviving elsewhere are extremely slim.

Scientific Name: Eurynorhynchus pygmeus

World Status: Critically Endangered
Status in Thailand: Critically Endangered

Spoon-billed Sandpipers are in such rapid decline that the population estimate of 240-500 mature individuals is almost certainly very optimistic, some ornithologists suggest that there are fewer than 200 left. This species is unique amongst wader species in having a spatulate bill which it uses in a plucking a sieving motion to find invertebrates in mudflats and salt pans.

In summer Spoon-billed Sandpipers breed in northeast Russia, but recent surveys have shown that breeding success is becoming extremely low. In winter this species migrates south west with most birds reaching Bangladesh and Myanmar, but a good number of birds (10-16) spend the winter in the Gulf of Thailand where they can most easily be seen at Pak Thale and Khok Kham.

Reclamation of coastal wetlands is thought to have played a major part in the decline of Spoon-billed Sandpipers as their passage migration feeding grounds are destroyed throughout Asia and most significantly in South Korea. However, degradation of the breeding habitat and netting of shorebirds for food in Myanmar are believed to be important factors too.

Without a conservation miracle occurring, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper is almost certain to be extinct within 5-10 years. Protection of inter-tidal wetlands is the key to the conservation of not only this species, but many other species of shorebirds that use the Eat Asian-Australasian migratory flyway and are all in decline.

The good news for Spoon-billed Sandpiper is that a group of conservationists have got together to attempt to produce that conservation miracle that is required and armchair conservationists can help by donating to this urgent cause - Please support our spoon-billed Sandpiper appeal

Scientific Name: Pitta gurneyi

World Status: Endangered
Status in Thailand: Critically Endangered

Found only in southern Thailand and Myanmar Gurney's Pitta was presumed extinct until a small population was rediscovered in 1986 in the south of Thailand. However, it has continued to decline in Thailand and there are no more than 10-20 birds remaining at one site - Khao Nor Chu Chi.

In 2003 there was good news for Gurney's Pitta; a population was rediscovered in southern Myanmar and later estimates put the number of birds at 10000-20000 mature birds. Unfortunately, political instability and armed conflict means that it is very difficult for ornithologists to enter the area, and the Gurney's Pitta lowland forest habitat is being quickly logged as it was in southern Thailand, meaning that the species is till endangered.

Despite the tiny population, Khao Nor Chu Chi in Thailand is still the most realistic chance for birdwatchers to see this lovely bird, at least while it holds out there.

• Create your own Hubpages account

If you are not already a member of Hubpages, click to join. It's FREE! Sign up and make money online writing about what you know!