(File photo/CFP)

The red-crowned crane, a first-class protected species in China, was observed for the first time in Nanjing’s Xinjizhou National Wetland Park on December 5, increasing the number of first-class protected species recorded in the park to seven.

There are about 2,000 red-crowned cranes in China and roughly 4,000 worldwide. Their pure white feathers and a distinctive patch of red bare skin on the crown give them their name. These waterfowl prefer open plains, marshes, lakes, grasslands and coastal wetlands. Sensitive to environmental changes, they serve as an important indicator species for wetland conservation.

“The park’s vegetation and wildlife have remained largely undisturbed by people, and we’re all thrilled to welcome a new resident today,” said Li Quanwen, chief of the wetland park’s management office.

In about ten days, the park will enter its busiest season, as the number of migratory birds reaches its annual peak. Notably, the park has stable wintering populations of six waterfowl species - the Oriental stork, great cormorant, Eurasian spoonbill, squawk duck, falcated duck, and greater scaup.