Important Facts For Prelims
Latham’s Snipe
- 31 Aug 2021
- 1 min read
Why in News
Urban development continues to threaten Latham’s Snipe habitats as several snipe sites in eastern Australia are at risk from housing developments and large infrastructure projects.
- Latham’s Snipe was formerly known as the Japanese Snipe.
Key Points
- Characteristics:
- Latham's Snipe is the largest snipe in Australia, with cryptic, mainly brown, plumage.
- Their exceptional eyesight helps them constantly scan for dangers at night, when they forage for food in open wet and muddy areas.
- Habitat:
- Breeds in northern Japan and parts of eastern Russia during May-July and spends the non-breeding season (September to March) along Australia’s eastern coast.
- Like other migratory shorebirds, it has incredible endurance, undertaking a non-stop, over-ocean flight between its breeding and non-breeding grounds.
- Threats:
- Hunting and wetland loss during the 20th century have contributed to a decline in Latham’s Snipe in south-eastern Australia.
- The signing of the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement in 1981 has stopped snipe hunting in both countries to some extent.
- Hunting and wetland loss during the 20th century have contributed to a decline in Latham’s Snipe in south-eastern Australia.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
