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China's Invasive Grass Threatens Migrating Birds
9 Oct
Summary
- Smooth cordgrass, introduced in 1979, now covers 68,000 hectares.
- Invasive grass reduces vital feeding and resting spaces for shorebirds.
- China aims to control invasive plant by 2025 with national campaign.
Smooth cordgrass, introduced to China in 1979, has spread to cover an estimated 68,000 hectares, primarily in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, and Shanghai. This invasive species is now recognized as a major threat to China's coastal mudflats.
The rapid growth of smooth cordgrass replaces open mudflats with dense vegetation, drastically reducing the crucial feeding and resting areas that shorebirds depend on during their migrations. Studies indicate a significant decline in tidal flat areas since 2000, with the combined pressures being most severe along the eastern coast.
Recognizing the ecological damage, China initiated a national campaign in early 2023 to control the plant. The goal was to achieve effective nationwide control by 2025, with subsequent efforts planned to maintain cleared areas through 2030.
This situation highlights how well-intentioned introductions can lead to unforeseen environmental problems. The Chinese Yellow Sea wetlands are a vital staging area for shorebirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, making the control of smooth cordgrass critical for this broader migration route.
