A record number of black-faced spoonbills, a globally endangered migratory bird, have returned to winter in Hong Kong this year.
Researchers counted 395 black-faced spoonbills on Tuesday at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, one of the world's most important wintering sites for the species.
The count represents more than one-fifth of the bird's global population, which, according to latest estimate, is 1,680.
Last year, the count was 340, and it was 305 in 2004, according to WWF Hong Kong, which manages the nature reserve.
Bena Smith, the group's reserve officer, yesterday attributed the high count partly to improved management of the 80-hectare special zone for spoonbills in the reserve.
'Within the zone, water levels are lowered gradually and bund vegetation cut to create a secure roosting area,' he said.
The reserve also operates traditional shrimp ponds with special water management to provide a continuous and sustainable food source during the birds' winter stay, Mr Smith added.