A recent survey reveals that the Nansha Wetland in Guangzhou has recorded fast growing number of black-faced spoonbills, proven as a favored habitat for this rare species.
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society announced the results of the 2024 global census of black-faced spoonbills, recording a total of 6,988 birds worldwide, an increase of 5.4% compared to last year.
According to the survey, at least 91 black-faced spoonbills could be clearly identified in the Nansha Wetland, with a total of 139 white-faced spoonbills mixed in the group.
Since 2014, the black-faced spoonbills have been spotted at the Nansha Wetland, with the number increasing year by year. 18 black-faced spoonbills were found in 2016, 24 in 2017, 39 in 2018, 52 in 2020, 62 in 2022, and over 91 in 2024.
Nansha Wetland is gradually becoming one of the important habitats for black-faced spoonbills in China and serves as an important migration stopover site.
The arrival of rare species such as black-faced spoonbills, which are sensitive to environmental impacts, reflects the improvement of the wetland's ecological environment in the Nansha District of Guangzhou.
Reporter丨Nina
Editor丨Steven, Abby, James
Photos provided by Wan Jun from Nansha Wetland Scenic Area
