Revived Desert Wetland in China Transforms into a Haven for Migratory Birds
A striking change has occurred at the previously murky Shahu Lake scenic area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, resulting in the location becoming a haven for migratory birds.
TroibNews 
A remarkable transformation has occurred at the once murky Shahu Lake scenic area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, turning the location into a haven for migratory birds.
This picturesque lake, situated on the outskirts of Ningxia's Shizuishan City and framed by desert, has welcomed its first group of migratory birds this autumn. As a vital transit stop on the southern migration route for numerous species, the area is set to experience an even larger influx of birds in the coming days.
To provide adequate foraging opportunities for these avian visitors, a 200-hectare rice field has been cultivated to ensure a reliable food supply.
Just eight years prior, the marsh was far less hospitable to these birds. Stagnant water had led to the proliferation of harmful pathogens, resulting in significant fish mortality and the extinction of aquatic plant life.
In 2017, local authorities commenced a comprehensive ecological management initiative to remedy the inadequate water circulation. A 400-hectare wetland was established near the core water area, facilitating the free flow of water and enabling internal recycling and purification processes.
The quality of the water saw substantial improvement following three years of dedicated efforts.
Currently, the wetland has revealed 32 previously unrecorded bird species, including black storks, which are classified as a first-class state protected species. The total bird species count has increased from fewer than 180 to over 210, with migratory species such as grey geese and cormorants adopting the wetland as a long-term habitat.
In recent years, Ningxia has made significant advancements in the protection and restoration of nearly 40,000 hectares of wetlands. The region has established 26 wetland parks and four nature reserves, fostering suitable habitats for birds and creating attractive sites for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Moreover, the region has taken steps toward rejuvenating ecosystems and natural environments across its various landscapes, from deserts to grasslands.
Today, the percentage of days with air quality classified as "excellent" in cities of prefecture level and above in Ningxia has surpassed 80 percent for nine consecutive years. For the section of the Yellow River that flows through Ningxia, water quality has consistently rated as grade II—suitable for direct human contact—for seven years. Forest coverage has risen beyond 11 percent, while grassland vegetation coverage has reached 56.8 percent. Additionally, the area affected by sandification has declined from 85 percent to 19.31 percent.
The populations of key wildlife species, including blue sheep and red deer, have continued to thrive, and even snow leopards, previously absent for many years, have returned to Ningxia.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
This picturesque lake, situated on the outskirts of Ningxia's Shizuishan City and framed by desert, has welcomed its first group of migratory birds this autumn. As a vital transit stop on the southern migration route for numerous species, the area is set to experience an even larger influx of birds in the coming days.
To provide adequate foraging opportunities for these avian visitors, a 200-hectare rice field has been cultivated to ensure a reliable food supply.
Just eight years prior, the marsh was far less hospitable to these birds. Stagnant water had led to the proliferation of harmful pathogens, resulting in significant fish mortality and the extinction of aquatic plant life.
In 2017, local authorities commenced a comprehensive ecological management initiative to remedy the inadequate water circulation. A 400-hectare wetland was established near the core water area, facilitating the free flow of water and enabling internal recycling and purification processes.
The quality of the water saw substantial improvement following three years of dedicated efforts.
Currently, the wetland has revealed 32 previously unrecorded bird species, including black storks, which are classified as a first-class state protected species. The total bird species count has increased from fewer than 180 to over 210, with migratory species such as grey geese and cormorants adopting the wetland as a long-term habitat.
In recent years, Ningxia has made significant advancements in the protection and restoration of nearly 40,000 hectares of wetlands. The region has established 26 wetland parks and four nature reserves, fostering suitable habitats for birds and creating attractive sites for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Moreover, the region has taken steps toward rejuvenating ecosystems and natural environments across its various landscapes, from deserts to grasslands.
Today, the percentage of days with air quality classified as "excellent" in cities of prefecture level and above in Ningxia has surpassed 80 percent for nine consecutive years. For the section of the Yellow River that flows through Ningxia, water quality has consistently rated as grade II—suitable for direct human contact—for seven years. Forest coverage has risen beyond 11 percent, while grassland vegetation coverage has reached 56.8 percent. Additionally, the area affected by sandification has declined from 85 percent to 19.31 percent.
The populations of key wildlife species, including blue sheep and red deer, have continued to thrive, and even snow leopards, previously absent for many years, have returned to Ningxia.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
