Publication
New Research Paper Publication on Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation in the DPRK

HSF Korea is pleased to announce the publication of a new research paper by Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, Senior Researcher at HSF Korea.

The paper, Habitat Changes and Conservation Challenges of Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), examined the current status of Black-faced Spoonbill habitats in the DPRK and identified the major conservation challenges facing this globally threatened migratory waterbird. By compiling historical records, recent field observations, satellite-based information, and published literature, this study highlighted the ecological importance of the DPRK's coastal wetlands and tidal mudflats for breeding, migration stopovers, and over-summering populations. 

The research also identified large-scale coastal reclamation, habitat degradation, and the lack of recent ecological surveys as the primary threats to Black-faced Spoonbill conservation in the DPRK. Although several key wetlands had been designated as protected areas, the study noted that limited management and insufficient monitoring continue to reduce their conservation effectiveness. It recommends systematic ecological surveys, stronger site-based habitat protection, improved data sharing, and enhanced regional and international cooperation to support the long-term conservation of the species. 

This research provided an important foundation for understanding habitat changes in the DPRK and contributed to future conservation planning for migratory waterbirds across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. 

Full Article

https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.70365

Citation
Choi, H.-A. (2026). Habitat changes and conservation challenges of black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Conservation Science and Practice, e70365. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70365