Dongying city in East China's Shandong province officially recorded 410 species of birds within its borders in the month of April – including 26 classified as nationally protected under first-class status and 72 under second-class protection.

This marked an increase from the 403 species recorded in 2024, underscoring the city's continued ecological improvement.

The increase in bird diversity is attributed to decades of sustained environmental protection and habitat restoration.

When the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve was first established in 1992, only 187 bird species were documented in the area.

Since then, Dongying has made significant strides in conserving and enhancing its natural ecosystems.

Major efforts include hosting two international birdwatching competitions at the Yellow River estuary and encouraging academic institutions, research bodies, community organizations, as well as local birdwatchers, to conduct studies and surveys.

These collaborative initiatives are said to have contributed to the discovery and confirmation of new species in the region.

Birds are widely recognized as being indicators of a place's environmental health, so the growing number of species in Dongying is a strong sign of a thriving ecosystem.

Moving forwards, plans are for Dongying to continue to protect this vital natural heritage and support a sustainable future for both the wildlife and its people.

The Yellow River bird habitats are inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2024. [Photo/IC photo]