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Gulls Flock to Revitalized Wetland, Boost Local Economy
13 Mar
Summary
- Black-headed gull numbers increased tenfold in a revitalized wetland.
- Conservation efforts transformed a mudflat into a lush habitat.
- Local tourism revenue now exceeds 500 million yuan annually.
The Danjiang River Wetland National Nature Reserve in Xichuan county, Nanyang, Henan province, has witnessed a remarkable ecological resurgence. Over 10,000 black-headed gulls, ten times the number from five years ago, now winter here, drawn by a drastically improved environment. Once a barren mudflat 18 years ago, the reserve's vegetation coverage has increased by 37 percent, creating a thriving habitat.
This transformation has not only attracted over 400 bird species, including rare ones like the crested ibis, but has also revitalized aquatic life, with 62 fish species returning. Strict conservation measures, including a fishing ban, have ensured a plentiful food source for the birds. The pristine water quality is evidenced by the ten-year consecutive sightings of the Chinese merganser.
The ecological success has spurred a significant tourism boom. Visitors are flocking to the reserve to witness the spectacle of thousands of birds. This has led to a shift in livelihoods for many former fishermen, with about 70 percent now engaged in tourism. Local homestays, offering bird-watching and fruit-picking experiences, contribute to an annual tourism revenue exceeding 500 million yuan.
