World Population and Protection Status In 1989 Hong Kong ornithologists drew global attention to the threatened status of this declining population. The historical status of Black-faced Spoonbill and the reason for their present small population is still poorly understood. In the early 90s the known world population of Black-faced Spoonbill was 294 individuals. This small population size, possibility of serious short-term decline, and its geographical restriction to East Asia might have lead to its extinction. Its global status was listed as "Critically Endangered", evoking global awareness thereafter. The known population gradually grew during the 90s, partly as a result of more frequent survey, escalating conservation efforts, and successful breeding. In October 2000, the international conservation status of this species was changed by BirdLife International to "Endangered" However, this species still requires international conservation and concern.

Red Data Book More information from BirdLife International "Red Data Book - Threatened Birds of Asia" on Black-faced Spoonbill.