The Nandagang Wetland in Hebei Province, situated in the northern Chinese mainland, is witnessing a remarkable increase in its population of endangered oriental white storks. Recently, over 300 of these protected birds arrived at the wetland, tripling the numbers observed during the same period last year, as reported by the wetland's management office.
Recognized as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, oriental white storks thrive only in wetlands that offer abundant food, ample water sources, and a high-quality ecological environment. The Nandagang Wetland, located in Cangzhou City, serves as a crucial stopover and breeding site along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
In recent years, concerted efforts to restore the natural wetland ecosystem—including the development of water bodies, shallows, and habitat islands—have paid off. These improvements have significantly enhanced the habitat quality, leading to a dramatic increase in bird populations. In 2023 alone, more than 100,000 migratory birds were monitored at Nandagang Wetland, a substantial rise from 20,000 in 2019.
As the peak of spring migration approaches, the wetland authorities are ramping up daily patrols and monitoring activities. By integrating AI technology with human efforts, the management aims to ensure the safe migration and breeding of these vital bird populations. \"Our goal is to maintain and further improve the ecological balance of the wetland, providing a safe haven for migratory birds,\" said Meng Zhaolei, director of the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Management Office.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
