Dongying enhances wetland conservation to safeguard migratory birds

A critical stopover on two major migratory bird flyways, Dongying city in East China's Shandong province has emerged as a leader in habitat protection and ecological restoration within the Yellow River Delta.

In late April, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve celebrated the hatching of its first artificially incubated crested ibis chick of the year — nearly a month earlier than in 2024.

The milestone was particularly welcome, because it's said to signal the growing adaptation of the species to the local environment.

"The earlier hatching provides the chick with more favorable conditions for growth and shows the crested ibis' successful acclimatization to the Yellow River estuary," said Wang Andong, head of the reserve's research center.

Once critically endangered, the crested ibis was reintroduced to the reserve in 2022 with 20 individuals translocated from Hanzhong city in China's Northwest Shaanxi province. By the 2024 breeding season, the population had already produced 20 new chicks through a mix of artificial incubation and natural breeding.

These achievements stem from years of targeted conservation efforts. Since 2016, Dongying has collaborated with research institutions to implement customized restoration techniques.

These include controlling invasive species like Spartina alterniflora, a coastal cordgrass native to the US, reviving native vegetation and supplying over 510 million cubic meters of ecological water in the past three years.

According to Zhao Yajie, deputy director of the reserve, an integrated monitoring system — combining satellite, aerial and ground-based tracking — enables real-time observation of bird activity.

In 2025, the reserve recorded a historic high of 233 oriental storks’ nests, yielding 536 chicks. Staff also conduct satellite tracking and behavioral studies on juvenile birds to ensure their survival.

Fieldwork is viewed as remaining essential to Dongying's success. Zhao recalled wading through icy mud to rescue a fallen black-headed gull chick — a testament to the team's dedication.

Today, the reserve shelters 374 bird species — nearly double the original count. "With sustained ecological efforts, more species will continue to make Dongying their home," Zhao noted.