Coastal Wetland Emerges as Critical Ecosystem in Tropical China
Nestled along Hainan's coastline, Changjiang Haiwei National Wetland Park has become a vital refuge for migratory birds traversing East Asia. Spanning 1,800 hectares of wetlands, grasslands, and mangrove conservation zones, this unique coastal freshwater marsh represents one of southern China's most ecologically significant landscapes.
Avian Diversity Takes Flight
Recent surveys document 212 bird species within the park, including three species under first-class national protection and 39 under second-class protection. The black-faced spoonbill – among the world's rarest wading birds – has been spotted feeding in the nutrient-rich mudflats during migration seasons.
Science-Driven Conservation
Park authorities maintain rigorous biodiversity monitoring through daily patrols and ecological surveys. "Our team recently identified three new bird species through acoustic monitoring technology," revealed a park spokesperson, highlighting ongoing discoveries in this dynamic ecosystem.
Ecological Balancing Act
As Hainan accelerates its free trade port development, conservationists emphasize the wetland's dual role in supporting wildlife and mitigating coastal erosion. The park's mangroves alone sequester an estimated 15,000 tons of carbon annually, according to preliminary studies.
