A team from Nanjing University, recently discovered Baer's Pochard (Aythya baeri) during a survey in Pan'an Lake National Wetland Park in Jiawang District, Xuzhou City.

(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

The lake, as a biodiversity hotspot, has attracted research interest for various species and population size there. On February 16, the team happened to find the species known for its distinctive black head, white eye, blackish-brown back, and white flanks. There are about 10 Baer's Pochards in the flock at the site.

Mainly found in eastern and southwestern Asia, this species was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2012 due to its declining population caused by overhunting and loss of breeding and wintering habitat.

In recent years, thanks to the continuous improvement of the habitat and better conservation efforts, the species has been found to have stable populations in several places.