Recently, staff monitors from Yancheng Wetland Rare Bird National Nature Reserve spotted 42 Dalmatian pelicans in the reserve’s core area, including a single flock of 34 individuals. This sets a new record for the reserve and solidifies the remarkable ecological conservation achievements of the reserve. As a national Class I protected wild animal in China, the Dalmatian pelican is hailed as the "waterbird aristocrat". It has extremely strict habitat requirements, serving as a key bio-indicator of wetland ecological health. In the past, this species was only occasionally sighted on the reserve’s peripheral waters.
By simulating natural hydrological regimes, restoring native vegetation and enriching aquatic prey resources, the reserve has fostered a well-preserved wetland ecosystem, offering high-quality habitats for rare migratory birds.
Yancheng Wetland serves as a critical hub along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The large-scale gathering of Dalmatian pelicans fully demonstrates the effectiveness of near-natural restoration and eco-friendly development practices in local wetland conservation.
Moving forward, the reserve will further strengthen bird population monitoring, upgrade ecological restoration techniques, advance refined ecological management, scale up environmental education, and mobilize public participation to safeguard this internationally important wetland.
Source: Jiao Hui Dian News