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Major wetland in northern China sees more wild bird species

CGTN

Ducks paddle across the water in Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, October 11, 2023. /CFP
Ducks paddle across the water in Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, October 11, 2023. /CFP

Ducks paddle across the water in Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, October 11, 2023. /CFP

As of the end of February, 276 wild bird species have been spotted at Baiyangdian Lake, a major wetland in northern China, local authorities have said.

The figure has increased by 70 since the establishment in 2017 of the Xiongan New Area, where the lake is located, according to the area's bureau of natural resources and planning.

Of the 276 wild bird species, 12 are under first-class national protection, including the Baer's pochard and the great bustard. The wetland also has 48 species under second-class national protection, including the whooper swan.

Tian Yongchang, who works at the natural resources bureau of Anxin County in the Xiongan New Area, said that nine avian habitats have been designated in the wetland to protect the birds in an improved manner. Signage has also been erected, and an intelligent habitat monitoring system has been installed.

Three herons stand on the snow next to the Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, December 13, 2023. /CFP
Three herons stand on the snow next to the Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, December 13, 2023. /CFP

Three herons stand on the snow next to the Baiyangdian Lake, Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, December 13, 2023. /CFP

A mode of management that incorporates government departments, non-governmental associations and volunteers has also been adopted to mobilize more people to participate in work to protect the birds, Tian said.

Thanks to these joint efforts, Baer's pochards were spotted at Baiyangdian for the first time in 2018. Moreover, in July 2022, the birds were observed brooding at the lake for the first time, meaning it has become a breeding area for the species.

"The birds at Baiyangdian are not only increasing in terms of population but also in terms of species. The appearances of rare birds signify that the diversity and stability of Baiyangdian's ecosystem have been improved significantly," Tian said.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
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