Numbers and distribution of waterbirds and wetlands in the Asia-Pacific region: Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 2002–2004

Results of the Asian Waterbird Census: 2002–2004. The report demonstrates the significant value of the Waterbird Census, which covered 2,032 sites across 22 countries, with nearly 8 million waterbirds recorded in all three years. Of the total 274 waterbird and 61 wetland-dependent species recorded, 43 were Globally Threatened species.

This report summarises the results of the Asian Waterbird Census in 2002, 2003 and 2004, comprising counts at 2,032 sites in 22 countries. Of these sites, 459 met the criteria for international importance by recording either more than 20,000 waterbirds or 1% of the population of at least one species.

79 Ramsar Sites, 36 Migratory Waterbird Network sites in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and 280 Important Bird Areas were covered.

Totals of 274 waterbird species and 61 wetland-dependent species were recorded during this period, with nearly 8 million waterbirds recorded each year.

Brief status accounts, accompanied by 202 maps, are presented for 211 species, including 42 Globally Threatened species and 19 near threatened species.

This update  report will help governments in the region to identify wetlands which qualify as Wetlands of International Importance. This is urgent because many key waterbird sites are under severe pressure.