Barry Woodcraft, b 1949. Spoon-billed Sandpiper Bronze and titanium. Artist's proof. Signed. To be cast as a numbered edition of twelve. This bird is critically endangered. The main threats to its survival are habitat loss on its breeding grounds and loss of tidal flats through its migratory and wintering range. The area at Saemangeum, South Korea, has already been partially drained and reclaimed, and the remaining wetlands are proposed for reclamation in the near future. A 2010 study suggests that hunting in Burma by traditional bird trappers is a also a cause of decline. Protected areas in its staging and wintering areas include Yancheng in China, Mai Po Marshes in Hong Kong and Point Calimere and Chilka lake in India. Formerly classified as an Endangered species by the IUCN, recent research shows that its numbers are decreasing more and more rapidly and that it is on the verge of extinction. It is consequently reclassified to Critically Endangered status. The breeding population was estimated as only 120–220 pairs in summer 2009. This species may become extinct in 10 years or so.
