Four Chinese mergansers (one adult and three chicks) were recently spotted and recorded in the provincial-level nature reserve of Lotus Mountain Baipenzhu in Huizhou, Guangdong (惠州莲花山白盆珠省级自然保护区). Due to its rarity, as there are less than 5000 adults around the world, this species is honored as "giant panda of birds.”
This is the third sighting of the species foraging and overwintering in Huizhou, after its first appearance in 2007 and a revisit in 2017.
As a species that has been living on earth since the end of the Tertiary glacial period, Chinese merganser is now on the “World Conservation Union” Red List of Endangered Species and a first-class State-protected animal in China.
Chinese mergansers’ high requirements for habitat, which include clean water resource with an abundant amount of fish, excellent foraging sites and dense waterfront forest, make themselves a good indicator for the quality of water and the surrounding environment.
The reappearance of these rare birds recognizes the work and dedication of the provincial-level nature reserve of Lotus Mountain Baipenzhu (惠州莲花山白盆珠省级自然保护区) on protection of ecological environment and biodiversity.
Author: Eastbrook
Editor: Wing, Olivia, Will, Jerry
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