In a conservation milestone, the white-eared night-heron—a rare, endemic heron and Class A protected species on the Chinese mainland—has been recorded for the first time in Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province.
On October 14, local villager Tian Ruzhong was surprised when a grayish-brown bird crashed into power lines behind his home. After the bird hissed and resisted, Tian and neighbors alerted the local forestry station, ensuring the injured heron would receive expert care.
Following a short rehabilitation, wildlife specialists released the heron into a nearby wetland—a vital habitat for feeding and nesting. Experts note that each successful rescue underscores the positive impact of local habitat preservation and wildlife monitoring efforts.
Community vigilance like Tian’s discovery is driving a hopeful trend: increased sightings of this elusive heron suggest protected forests and waterways are providing safe havens for endangered species.
For global citizens passionate about conservation, the Guizhou sighting is a reminder that small actions—reporting an injured bird, safeguarding local ecosystems—can have real-world impact on biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Reference(s):
Rare bird spotted in Guizhou, highlighting conservation success
cgtn.com
