Banks of the Yellow River in Pinglu County create a captivating sight as flocks of whooper swans migrate from Siberia as winter takes hold of the area.
The banks of the Yellow River in Pinglu County, Shanxi Province, north China, create a captivating sight as flocks of whooper swans migrate from Siberia as winter takes hold of the area.
Anees Ur Rahman, a driven Pakistani student who journeyed hundreds of miles to study wildlife use protection at Beijing Forestry University in China, is among the many tourists and photographers who flock to this yearly event.
Rahman’s fascination with birds and nature motivated his journey to China, where he has actively engaged in field visits and research on wild birds nationwide. His studies have provided him with profound insights into China’s ecological environment and ongoing efforts in bird conservation.
“In recent years, the ecological environment of the Yellow River basin has been continuously improving, and the number of wild whooper swans wintering here has peaked at over 10,000,” remarked Wang Chao, a staff member of the county’s forestry bureau.
China boasts some of the world’s richest bird resources, with four of the nine major global bird migration flyways passing through the country, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Monitoring efforts by the administration indicate a significant increase in the populations of more than 20 rare and endangered bird species in China, with the crested ibis standing out, experiencing a remarkable surge from only seven individuals in the 1980s to 7,000 this year.
Rahman, reflecting on his decision to study in China, highlighted the nation’s rich biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation as key factors. He sees an opportunity to contribute to and learn from China’s vibrant research community, particularly in the face of rapid environmental changes.
To ensure the safety of migratory birds during their journeys, China has established a comprehensive network to protect these birds, encompassing breeding, wintering, and resting stations, as well as wetlands and natural reserves. This network covers nearly every critical node of the migratory bird flyways.
“Over the years, I have witnessed positive changes in China’s environmental practices. Stricter regulations, increased investment in renewable energy, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development indicate a significant shift towards a more environmentally conscious approach,” noted Rahman.
Thanks to effective protection measures providing safe habitats and breeding sites, migratory bird populations in China have consistently grown. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has even downgraded the threat of extinction for some rare wildlife in China, including red-crowned cranes and crested ibises.
Rahman expressed his commitment to continuing his research and engaging in collaborative conservation projects, aiming to contribute to global wildlife conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices for the benefit of both wildlife and local communities. As he immerses himself in China’s conservation initiatives, Rahman is part of an international effort to preserve the planet’s diverse ecosystems.