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Shanghai Wetland Reborn: Bird Numbers Soar 12-Fold
20 May
Summary
- Bird populations surged to nearly 500,000 from a low of 40,000.
- AI surveillance and innovative flooding techniques restored the wetland.
- Invasive smooth cordgrass was battled using flooding and cutting methods.
Once a "ravaged" wetland, Shanghai's Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve has undergone a dramatic ecological revival, witnessing a surge in bird populations from a low of 40,000 to nearly 500,000 last year. This impressive recovery is attributed to advanced technological interventions and dedicated conservation efforts.
The reserve, under the guidance of Niu Dongliang, has implemented high-tech solutions, including over 200 surveillance cameras and infrared technology, to deter poachers and minimize human disturbance. This technological leap has been crucial in transforming the area into a secure sanctuary.
A significant challenge faced was the encroachment of invasive smooth cordgrass, which threatened native vegetation and wildlife habitats. A large-scale restoration project initiated in 2013 involved building cofferdams, cutting the invasive plant, and flooding the area to eradicate its roots.
These comprehensive efforts have successfully restored the wetland's ecological function, making it a vital link in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The return of numerous bird species, including a record 5,216 tundra swans this March, serves as a clear indicator of the ecosystem's improved health and biodiversity.
