TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tainan launched its 2025 black-faced spoonbill conservation season Wednesday (Oct. 15), targeting youth engagement as 2,088 of the endangered birds winter in the southern Taiwan city. Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) announced the initiative at Tainan City Civic Center (台南市政中心), emphasizing the city's role in protecting nearly 30 percent of Taiwan's wintering population.
Li Fang-lin (李芳林), director of the Tainan City Agriculture Bureau (農業局), outlined conservation activities launching Oct. 26, including protection area tours, art exhibitions, and family travel experiences. The program features a public search for 18 rehabilitated spoonbills previously released by Mayor Huang. These initiatives target younger demographics while promoting wildlife conservation awareness through hands-on educational experiences.
Mayor Huang highlighted Tainan's conservation leadership as global black-faced spoonbill populations reached 6,988 individuals this year. Taiwan hosts 4,135 wintering birds, with Tainan recording 2,088 — nearly 30 percent of the island's total. The figures demonstrate successful habitat improvement efforts while underscoring Tainan's critical role in protecting this endangered species through targeted conservation programs.
Spoonbill arrivals in Tainan have increased since National Day — Taiwan's Oct. 10 holiday — with more birds expected as northern winds strengthen seasonal migration patterns. The endangered species primarily inhabits Syuejia (學甲), Beimen (北門), Cigu (七股), and Sicao (四草) districts during winter months. Residents and visitors can observe these rare birds in their natural wetland habitats throughout the conservation season. ◼
