Numenius minutus

Little curlew

Taxonomy
Phylum Chordates (Chordata)
Class Birds (Aves)
Order  (Charadriiformes)
Family  (Scolopacidae)
Genus  (Numenius)
Species Authority Gould, 1840
Information
Summary Status: rare (Category III), this relict species is endemic to Siberia, but has a narrow habitat range. It nests in eastern Siberia and winters in eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. In Kazakstan, the little curlew is usually observed only during its seasonal migrations. It inhabits mountains and foothills with sparse tree growth. Currently, the overall number of individuals in the wild is estimated to be about 5,000 and is declining continuously. Limiting factors have not been studied, but the most likely reason for population declines is direct extermination by humans. The nesting territories of this curlew should be located and protected as breeding reserves. Educational materials, including an illustrated reference book for hunters, should be prepared and distributed.

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