Effectiveness of the Biodiversity Management Contract Scheme in Supplying Stopover Sites With Food for Migratory Birds

ABSTRACT Stopover sites are essential for migratory birds, offering opportunities to rest and refuel during migration. The quality of these habitats directly influences migration success, particularly for small passerine birds that depend on readily available food resources. However, high‐quality habitats are often scarce at stopover sites. In the Republic of Korea, the Biodiversity Management Contract Scheme (BMCS) aims to enhance habitat quality by providing food resources through unharvested cultivated land (UCL). This study evaluated the effectiveness of BMCS on Heuksando Island, a major stopover site for migratory birds. We compared the number of species and individuals and habitat usage time of migratory birds in UCLs and control deserted lands (DLs). The results showed higher species richness and abundance in UCLs than in DLs, with buntings (family Emberizidae) being particularly numerous in UCLs. Additionally, habitat usage times were significantly longer in UCLs. While BMCS provides critical food and shelter for granivorous birds like buntings, the potential impacts on non‐target species warrant further investigation. These findings showed the importance of BMCS in enhancing high‐quality habitats for small migratory birds to feed and hide in, while also suggesting the need for a balanced approach to ensure broader biodiversity conservation.