Located on the western shore of Bohai Bay, the Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, stands as a thriving coastal wetland reserve on the Chinese mainland. Spanning 7,500 hectares, this sanctuary is home to an impressive 271 bird species, including 16 under first-class national protection and 52 species under second-class protection.
As part of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II), Nandagang was proudly included in UNESCO's World Heritage List on July 26, following the Phase I sanctuaries' inscription in 2019. This designation highlights the reserve's global significance in preserving biodiversity and supporting migratory bird populations.
Nandagang plays a crucial role in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a vast migratory route that spans over 20 countries and regions from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia. Each year, from late February to early April and from early October to mid-December, thousands of migratory birds stop here to replenish their food and energy reserves for their long journeys. Statistics show that 152 species pass through the reserve annually, with different species and groups arriving every 5-10 days during the migration seasons.
Recent restoration efforts have significantly improved the reserve's wetlands, creating a more diverse and welcoming habitat for the resident and migratory birds. These initiatives underscore the commitment to maintaining and enhancing this vital ecosystem, ensuring that Nandagang continues to serve as a safe haven for birds and a valuable natural resource for future generations.
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Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat: A vital coastal wetland reserve
cgtn.com
