In a remarkable display of nature’s resilience, nearly 300 endangered oriental white storks have been spotted in the Nandagang Wetland of north China’s Hebei Province. This surge in stork numbers highlights the success of recent ecological restoration efforts in the area.
The oriental white stork, listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and under top protection in China, is known for its stringent habitat requirements. These majestic birds thrive only in wetlands rich in food and abundant water sources, reflecting a healthy ecological environment.
Nandagang Wetland, located in Cangzhou City, serves as a crucial stopover and breeding site along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Over the past few years, the wetland’s ecosystem has seen significant restoration, transforming into a haven of water bodies, shallows, and habitat islands.
“The improved ecological conditions have attracted a remarkable increase in migratory birds,” said Feng Guoqiang, a patrol officer at the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Management Office. “In 2023, we monitored over 100,000 migratory birds, a significant rise from the 20,000 recorded in 2019.”
The storks’ presence is especially notable during the migration season from October to December. Last winter, observers noted the storks using their long beaks to break through thin ice around reed roots to catch fish hiding beneath—their adaptability showcasing the wetland’s suitability across seasons.
To ensure the continued comfort of these migratory visitors, the reserve plans to enhance daily patrols and monitoring, utilizing AI technologies for better conservation practices. “Our goal is to maintain a thriving habitat for the storks and other migratory birds,” added Feng.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
