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A total of 236 yellow-breasted buntings, a critically endangered bird species, have been observed in a wetland along the Yellow River in central China's Henan Province, according to a local nature reserve.
It is the wetland's highest monitoring data of the yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola) population collected in recent years, said researchers at the Mengjin administration center of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve.
A yellow-breasted bunting stands on a reed in Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Mengjin County, Henan Province. /Courtesy of Guo Zhun
The once-abundant species was classified as "Least Concerned" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria before 2004. However, it was upgraded to critically endangered in 2017 because of overhunting. The rare bird is under first-class state protection in China.
"Birds are the 'barometer' of wetland ecology. In previous years, the population of yellow-breasted buntings was observed to be about 100 annually, but this year the population has increased significantly," said Guo Zhun from the center, adding that the large-scale appearance of the critically endangered species also helps prove the wetland's safe, suitable and good environment.
Currently, the wetland has 310 bird species including 14 under first-class state protection, making the reserve a favorable wild bird habitat.
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Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466