Rare and endangered black stork and oriental white stork have been spotted together in the Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in north China’s Hebei Province, marking the first sighting of the black stork species in the area since 2018.
The two storks were seen hunting for food side by side, an unusual occurrence given the rarity of both species and their conservation status. The black stork, with only approximately 1,000 individuals in China, is classified under first-class state protection. The oriental white stork is listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The resurgence of these rare birds is attributed to significant improvements in Hengshui Lake’s water quality over the past year. Efforts to restore the lake’s ecosystem have transformed the surrounding shoal areas into suitable habitats for waterfowl. Currently, the lake is experiencing its peak migratory bird season, attracting a diverse array of avian species.
Hengshui Lake, situated in the city of Hengshui, is a national nature reserve featuring the largest single water surface on the North China Plain. The reserve encompasses a complete wetland ecosystem of swamps, waters, mudflats, meadows, and woodlands. It serves as a vital stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
To date, reserve staff have observed and recorded 334 bird species at Hengshui Lake, underscoring its significance as a biodiversity hotspot in the region.
The sighting of the black stork and oriental white stork offers hope for conservationists and highlights the importance of continued efforts to protect and restore natural habitats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
