The "Winter Migratory Bird Census 2004" will be carried out during Jan 31 - Feb 2 2004, to survey biodiversity status of migratory birds by tracking their numbers of species, population, and migration routes.

Since 1999, this annual census has been undertaken by the Biodiversity Research Department of the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER). The census is a collaboration of simultaneous surveys conducted in 118 regions across the country, at coastal areas, lakes, reservoirs, and open fields.

65 teams (130 members) composed of Biodiversity Research Dept's researchers and bird experts will carry out the surveys this year. Once completed, the census will serve as critical resources for the development of migratory bird protection measures and of global cooperation in the respective field with countries like Russia, Australia, China, and Japan.