Since 2010, the explosive expansion of spartina alterniflora in Dongying's Yellow River National Nature Reserves has caused severe ecological harm to coastal wetlands.
Spartina alterniflora, with its developed root system, strong reproductive ability, and rapid spread, has quickly expanded along China's coastal areas. This invasive species disrupts the ecological balance, leads to the degradation of native biological communities, and is difficult to remove.
Since 2016, the nature reserve has been addressing spartina alterniflora by thoroughly studying its invasion mechanisms and living habits. It has developed effective management techniques suitable for different intertidal habitats.
Specialized equipment mows a large area of spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta. [Photo/Dazhong News]
Since 2020, the nature reserve has invested approximately 500 million yuan ($70.3 million) in the management of 8,733 acres of spartina alterniflora, effectively curbing its spread and expansion.
In July, the area previously overtaken by spartina alterniflora had shown significant recovery progress. Saltwort and reeds had begun to reestablish themselves, meandering river channels had reappeared, and the mudflats were densely dotted with crab burrows. Monitoring data indicates that over 99 percent of spartina alterniflora has been eradicated from the nature reserve. This has led to a 27 percent increase in benthic species diversity, an 80 percent rise in average density, and a 50 percent boost in average biomass.
The managed tideland has become a welcoming habitat for rare bird species, including the red-crowned crane. [Photo/Dazhong News]
