A white-eared night heron (Gorsachius magnificus), a national first-class protected species in China, has been recorded for the first time in Nankunshan Provincial Nature Reserve in Longmen County, Huizhou.
The bird was photographed by a nature enthusiast in a valley within the reserve. The sighting marks the reserve's first wild record of the white-eared night heron since its establishment and the second known wild site for the species in Huizhou.
The white-eared night heron typically inhabits mountain streams with clean water, intact vegetation, and minimal human disturbance, making it an important indicator of ecosystem health.
According to the reserve, the discovery reflects the effectiveness of years of conservation efforts, including forest protection, watershed restoration, habitat improvement, and stricter management of human activities. In June 2025, the reserve launched a routine wildlife monitoring program using infrared cameras. The program has so far documented nine species under second-class national protection.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Huizhou Fabu
