(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

A total of 310,460 wintering waterbirds across 78 species were observed in Jiangsu Province during the 2024 survey, as announced by the province’s Forestry Bureau on February 28.

The survey, conducted along the Yangtze River, coastal areas and key lakes, recorded 3,354 birds from 6 species classified under national first-class protection and 37,250 birds from 13 species under national second-class protection.

(CFP Photo)

Situated in the East Asia/Australasia Flyway, renowned for having the highest diversity and number of migratory birds globally, the coastal province is an important stopover for waterbird migration due to its location and abundant resources, and serves as a vital habitat for a large number of migrating and overwintering waterbirds.

As part of the national survey, this study detailed the species, numbers and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Jiangsu, providing a scientific foundation for enhancing the protection of migratory birds and their habitats.