Ecora: An Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach

( Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus ), Far-eastern curlew ( Numenius madagascariensis ), Red-legged kittiwake ( Rissa brevirostris ), Ivory gull ( Pagophila eburnea ), Aleutian tern ( Sterna aleutica) , Marblet murrelet ( Brachyramphus marmoratus ), Kittlits’s murrelet ( Brachyramphus brevirostris ). 2006-2008 surveys show a sharp decline in • Spoon-billed sandpiper breeding populations at all of the three main known remaining breeding sites, two of which are in the Beringovsky Model Area. Particularly low breeding success has been detected in the Meinypilgyno region. Most recent population estimates indicate that there are only 200-300 breeding pairs remaining. In 2008, the status of the Spoon-billed sandpiper • was upgraded to critically endangered by the IUCN. The decision was based in part on recommendations made by the ECORA project, as well as by other agencies involved in conservation of the species. The role of ECORA was acknowledged in the International Action Plan drafted for the Convention on Migratory Species by Birdlife International and launched at the CMS meeting in December 2008. Data collected in this activity have been included • in the Red Data Book of Chukotka Autonomus Okrug, published in 2008 by the Chukotka Administration. Status: Data from this activity will be used to identify clusters for establishing Beringia National Park (see Section 6.4, Activity 4). Results: The huge numbers of sea birds nesting in • the Beringovsky Model Area play a key role in the local marine environment. The seabird population is currently estimated to be over 1.2 million birds in this area. Although illegal, the collection of seabird eggs is a source of food for local indigenous people. Seabird colonies were investigated by • photographic survey, the results of which now form the baseline for future monitoring as Activity 2.8: Seabirds (Beringovsky)

Alexander Kuzmich

Status: Next steps include: Development of community monitoring of marine • mammals. Collecting information for the creation of a • special educational picture album (hard copy and electronic versions). Continuing development of training in traditional • marine mammal hunting. Results: A total of 21 species inhabiting or visiting the • Beringovsky Model Area are included in the IUCN Red List, the Red Data Book of Russia, and the Red Data Book of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug: White-billed diver ( Gavia adamsii ), Steller’s albatross ( Diomedea albatrus ), Brent goose ( Branta bernicla nigricans ), Lesser white-fronted goose ( Anser erythropus ), Emperor goose ( Philacte canagica ), Bewick’s swan ( Cygnus bewickii ), Whistling swan ( Cygnus columbianus ), Baikal teal ( Anas formosa ), Osprey ( Pandion heliaeetus ), White-tailed eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla ), Steller’s sea eagle ( Haliaeetus pelagicus ), Golden eagle ( Aquila chrisaeetos ), Gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolis ), Peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), Spoon-billed sandpipier Activity 2.7:Threatened bird populations (Beringovsky)