A dramatic transformation has taken place at the once-murky Shahu Lake scenic area in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, turning the site into a paradise for migratory birds.
The picturesque Shahu Lake, a body of water surrounded by desert on the outskirts of Ningxia’s Shizuishan City, welcomed its first batch of migratory birds this autumn. As a critical transit point on the southern migration route for many species, the area is expected to see an even greater influx of birds in the coming days.
To support these avian visitors, a 200-hectare rice field has been planted to ensure a stable food source. This initiative aims to provide ample foraging opportunities for the birds during their stopover.
Just eight years ago, the marsh was far from welcoming. Stagnant water led to the breeding of pathogens, causing widespread fish deaths and the extinction of aquatic plants. The area was in dire need of ecological restoration.
In 2017, local authorities initiated comprehensive ecological management to address the poor water circulation. A 400-hectare wetland was constructed adjacent to the core water area, allowing water to flow freely and undergo internal recycling and purification.
After three years of dedicated efforts, the water quality improved significantly. Now, a total of 32 previously unseen bird species have been discovered in the wetland area, including black storks, a first-class state-protected species. The total number of bird species has risen from fewer than 180 to over 210. Migratory birds such as grey geese and cormorants have even turned the wetland into a long-term habitat.
In recent years, Ningxia has protected and restored nearly 40,000 hectares of wetlands, establishing 26 wetland parks and four nature reserves. These efforts have created a suitable habitat for birds and an attractive site for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
The region has also made strides in reviving ecosystems across its diverse terrain, from deserts to grasslands. Today, the ratio of days with air quality rated “excellent” in cities at and above the prefecture level in Ningxia has remained above 80 percent for nine consecutive years. The water quality for the section of the Yellow River within Ningxia has remained at grade II—for direct human contact—for seven consecutive years. Forest coverage has exceeded 11 percent, grassland vegetation coverage has reached 56.8 percent, and the proportion of sandified areas has decreased from 85 percent to 19.31 percent.
Populations of major wild animals, such as blue sheep and red deer, have continued to grow. Even snow leopards, which had been absent for many years, have made a return to Ningxia.
Reference(s):
Revived desert wetland in China becomes paradise for migratory birds
cgtn.com
