Flocks of migratory birds have arrived at wetland reserves in the Chinese mainland, seeking refuge for the winter season. These wetlands, renowned for their rich biodiversity, are witnessing a significant influx of various bird species.
The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve in southwest Sichuan Province has become a haven for a diverse array of birds, including the endangered black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and ruddy shelducks. \"We recently conducted a three-day monitoring on the black-necked cranes and a survey on migratory waterfowls,\" said Namoju, a scientific research officer with the Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve Administration. \"We mainly focused on 90 monitoring points on four line transects in the key areas of the activity of black-necked cranes in the reserve. A total of 15 species of migratory water birds, including cranes, have been observed. In addition, the number of migratory water birds in the reserve is increasing.\"
In the Hanfenghu National Wetland Park located in Kaizhou District, Chongqing Municipality, tens of thousands of migratory birds have been spotted foraging and frolicking in the winter months. The park serves as an important stopover and wintering place for species such as tufted ducks, pochards, and white-eyed pochards. More than 20 species of Anatidae birds are set to migrate there for overwintering.
Meanwhile, the Poyang Lake Nanji Wetland National Nature Reserve in east Jiangxi Province has witnessed a gathering of rare migratory birds for the winter season. Around 1,000 oriental white storks, a bird under first-class national protection, have been observed at the reserve. \"Current monitoring shows that the species and numbers of migratory birds arriving at Poyang Lake have increased compared with last year,\" said Qu Wenjing, a ranger with the Dacha Lake Protection and Management Station at the Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve. \"There are about 1,000 oriental white storks, and they mainly distribute in Dacha Lake and several sub-lakes around Changyi Township.\"
These wetlands not only provide essential habitats for migratory birds but also play a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
