More than 50,000 migratory waterbirds recorded at Tianjin's Qilihai Wetland

(ECNS) -- More than 50,000 migratory waterbirds have been recorded passing through the Qilihai Wetland in Ninghe District, north China's Tianjin Municipality during the peak migration season, local authorities said Wednesday.

Monitoring has recorded more than 140 oriental storks and eight white-naped cranes, both listed as first-class nationally protected wildlife in China, as well as more than 1,400 Eurasian spoonbills, a second-class protected species. Other waterbirds, including ducks, avocets, gulls, swans and geese, have also stopped at the wetland to rest and feed.

The wetland has continued ecological conservation and restoration efforts, including reed management, water-quality controls and biodiversity monitoring. Staff conduct regular patrols and use an integrated monitoring system to minimize human disturbance and safeguard migratory birds along their route.

(By Tang Yuxian)