Almost 300 threatened storks seen in Northern China's wetland
Almost 300 endangered storks have been observed in the wetlands of northern China.
TroibNews 
Local authorities reported on Friday that nearly 300 oriental white storks, an endangered species, have been observed in the Nandagang Wetland, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site located in Hebei Province, northern China.
The oriental white stork, classified as a top-protected species in China, is recognized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Nandagang Wetland, situated in Cangzhou City, serves as a vital stopover and breeding ground along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. In recent years, a natural wetland ecosystem comprising water bodies, shallows, and habitat islands has been progressively restored.
Thanks to improved ecological conditions, the wetland saw more than 100,000 migratory birds in 2023, a notable increase from just 20,000 in 2019.
The period from October to December marks the migratory season for birds flocking to the wetland. The oriental white stork has very specific habitat requirements and thrives only in wetlands that are rich in nourishment and have ample water sources alongside a healthy ecological environment, according to experts.
Last winter, during freezing temperatures, the storks managed to use their long beaks to break through the fragile ice surrounding the roots of reeds to catch fish hiding below the surface.
"This vivid example demonstrates how this wetland provides a rich source of food and a suitable living environment for the storks in different seasons," stated Feng Guoqiang, a patrol officer at the second protection station of the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Management Office.
Feng also mentioned that the reserve will continue to enhance daily patrols and monitoring efforts with the aid of AI technologies to maintain a comfortable habitat for migratory birds.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
The oriental white stork, classified as a top-protected species in China, is recognized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Nandagang Wetland, situated in Cangzhou City, serves as a vital stopover and breeding ground along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. In recent years, a natural wetland ecosystem comprising water bodies, shallows, and habitat islands has been progressively restored.
Thanks to improved ecological conditions, the wetland saw more than 100,000 migratory birds in 2023, a notable increase from just 20,000 in 2019.
The period from October to December marks the migratory season for birds flocking to the wetland. The oriental white stork has very specific habitat requirements and thrives only in wetlands that are rich in nourishment and have ample water sources alongside a healthy ecological environment, according to experts.
Last winter, during freezing temperatures, the storks managed to use their long beaks to break through the fragile ice surrounding the roots of reeds to catch fish hiding below the surface.
"This vivid example demonstrates how this wetland provides a rich source of food and a suitable living environment for the storks in different seasons," stated Feng Guoqiang, a patrol officer at the second protection station of the Nandagang Wetland and Bird Nature Reserve Management Office.
Feng also mentioned that the reserve will continue to enhance daily patrols and monitoring efforts with the aid of AI technologies to maintain a comfortable habitat for migratory birds.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
