(Photo by Xu Le)

The lesser white-fronted goose, a species under national second-class wildlife protection, has been spotted at Xinjizhou National Wetland Park in Nanjing, bringing the total number of bird species observed at the park to 222.

The goose, known for its small population, typically inhabits lakes, marshes and fishponds, and feed on plant stems and leaves. The species was recently sighted among migratory birds arriving at the park, which will host approximately 60,000 birds during the peak period from mid-December to January.

Li Quanwen, office director of the wetland park management center, said monitoring equipment in the park has recorded a significant increase in migratory birds. From 2016 to now, the variety of bird species spotted in the park has risen from 103 to 222.

In August 2016, the wetland park became the first in Nanjing to receive national-level recognition. With rich biodiversity and vegetation minimally disturbed, it is a key stopover on the East Asia-Australasia Flyway. The park serves as both refueling and wintering grounds for over 60 species of migratory birds, including the oriental white storks, Eurasian spoonbill and baikal teal, and also a breeding ground for resident birds.