Zhongke (Guangdong) Refinery & Petrochemical Company Ltd. in Zhanjiang's Donghai Island released its latest bird monitoring data on June 5, World Environment Day. During routine coastal patrols near its production facilities, staff observed wild waterbirds such as Little Egrets and Eurasian Spoonbills.
According to wildlife experts, more than ten species of wild waterbirds are now inhabiting the local coastal waters. These include the Black-faced Spoonbill, an endangered species on the IUCN Red List that migrates between China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Black-faced spoonbill (a Class I nationally protected wild animal in China) forages in coastal waters next to the refinery. Photo by Lin Jianghai
The black-faced spoonbill migrates annually across the three nations and is extremely sensitive to changes in water quality and surrounding wetland ecosystems. Its repeated return serves as a natural barometer that reflects the ecological wellbeing of offshore waters around the refinery. The company invested 3.688 billion yuan in environmental protection for its Phase 1 development, accounting for nearly 10% of total project investment.
Eurasian Spoonbill (a Class II nationally protected species). Photo by Lin Jianghai
Little Terns, Caspian Terns and Gull-billed Terns all belong to the tern family. Photo by Nie Dongsheng
Pied Avocets flying over the sea adjacent to the facility. Photo by Lin Jianghai
Author | Liu Dongming
