Javan lapwing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Javan lapwing |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Vanellus
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| Species: |
macropterus
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| Synonyms | |
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Charadrius macropterus Wagler, 1827 |
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The Javan lapwing (Vanellus macropterus) is a large bird that used to live in Java. It is also known as the Javanese lapwing or Javanese wattled lapwing. This bird was a type of wader, meaning it lived near water and had long legs for walking in shallow areas.
These birds were quite big and had long legs. They lived in marshy areas and river deltas. These habitats are found on the island of Java. They might have also lived on Sumatra and Timor.
Contents
The Mystery of the Javan Lapwing
The Javan lapwing has not been seen for a very long time. The last confirmed sighting was in 1940. Because these birds were quite noticeable, experts believe they might be extinct.
What Does "Extinct" Mean?
When a species is extinct, it means there are no more living individuals left anywhere in the world. It's gone forever.
Changing Status of the Javan Lapwing
The IUCN Red List is an important group that checks on the health of animal species. In 1994 and 1996, the IUCN said the Javan lapwing was extinct. But then, in 2000, they changed their minds. They listed the bird as "Critically Endangered." This means it was very close to extinction, but there was still a tiny chance it might exist.
Why the Status Changed
In 2016, the IUCN explained why they called it Critically Endangered. They said the bird hadn't been seen since 1940. Its home, or habitat, had been greatly damaged. Also, hunting might have made things worse for the birds. However, not all possible places where the bird could live had been searched. There were also some unconfirmed reports from local people in 2013.
Searching for the Javan Lapwing
Even though finding a live Javan lapwing seemed unlikely, experts looked at old notes from the 1920s. These notes suggested other places the bird might have lived. For example, grasslands on Belitung Island were thought to be a possible spot to search.
Back to "Possibly Extinct"
In 2018, a new study looked at how bird populations usually decline. It also noted that there were still no confirmed sightings of the Javan lapwing. Because of this, the study suggested changing the bird's status again. They recommended calling it "Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)." The IUCN Red List agreed with this idea on August 9, 2019. This means experts think it's very likely the bird is extinct, but they can't be 100% sure yet.
