The third Nanling Bird Watching Carnival recently concluded successfully. With 20 participating teams, each consisting of four members. The participants come from 34 universities across 16 cities nationwide.
After careful evaluation by the judges, a total of 210 bird species were recorded in this year's bird-watching competition, including four bird species first discovered in the region: the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Rosy Pipit (Anthus roseatus), Japanese Hawk Owl (Ninox japonica), and Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis).
Over 60 hours of limited time, participants (predominantly comprising university students, along with professors, graduate, and doctoral students) traversed altitudes ranging from 100m to 1800m within the competition area. They explored various bird habitats such as subtropical forests, grasslands, streams, and rice fields. They observed and recorded the morphology and quantity of birds, traveled along the Xijing Ancient Road, and immersed themselves in the ethnic Yao culture of Ruyuan, feeling the harmony between humans and nature.
Remarkably, 17 participating teams discovered and recorded Cabot's Tragopan, an endangered and endemic Chinese bird species. However, none of the teams recorded its spectacular courtship behavior.
In this bird-watching competition, the nationally protected bird species, the Yellow-breasted Bunting, was once again discovered by two teams, alongside first-recorded species including the Osprey, Rosy Pipit, Japanese Hawk Owl, and Oriental Reed Warbler. The discovery of rare and endangered bird species and first-recorded species demonstrates the improving ecological environment and effective protection of biodiversity within the competition area.
During the bird searching process, team members also discovered traces of mammals and snakes, even capturing their images. Examples include the Tibetan macaque, Chinese flying squirrel, bamboo pit viper, and many others. The habitats of birds and their neighboring animals have received robust protection, making spring in South Ridge vibrant and dynamic!
The event collected and supplemented bird survey data and species image materials, providing scientific references for further protecting birds and other wildlife within the proposed Nanling National Forest Park area.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
