Bird conservation efforts are gaining momentum across the Chinese mainland’s Dongting Lake, with new projects centered on Duogan Islet in Hunan Province. Once an ordinary shoal in the heart of the lake, Duogan earned its name from its tiller-like shape and served as a trusted shelter for boats during the Qing Dynasty (16441911).
As the second-largest freshwater lake in the Chinese mainland, Dongting Lake is a vital node on migratory routes spanning Asia. Recognizing its importance, local conservation teams have launched habitat restoration plans around Duogan Islet, from reestablishing native wetlands to installing observation stations for tracking bird movements.
Community volunteers, researchers, and Hunan authorities are collaborating to balance human activity with wildlife protection. Early monitoring indicates increased bird numbers and a growing diversity of species using Duogan’s shallow margins as a temporary haven.
Project leaders say safeguarding Duogan Islet strengthens the entire Dongting Lake ecosystem and sets a model for sustainable wetland conservation worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
