At the foot of Changbai Mountain in Jilin province on the Chinese mainland, nature is putting on a spectacular display this spring. From the high branches above, tiny Chinese merganser chicks recently hatched and made their first daring leap from the safety of the nest to the forest floor below.
Chinese merganser ducks are a rare bird species unique to the Chinese mainland and are classified as a first-class protected wild animal. Each year, as April gives way to May, these ducks return to Changbai Mountain – an essential breeding ground – to continue their life cycle.
In a scene that captures the resilience of wildlife, the newly hatched chicks instinctively jump from their nests within hours of hatching. This brave leap is a vital step in their survival, allowing them to follow their mother to nearby streams and lakes where they learn to swim and forage.
Conservationists view this spectacle as a testament to the success of protective measures for the species. As the global community watches, these tiny ducks remind us of the power of focused conservation efforts to safeguard biodiversity.
For young global citizens, nature lovers, and travelers alike, the annual hatching season of the Chinese merganser offers a fresh perspective on the intersections of wildlife conservation and eco-tourism on the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
