A cotton pygmy goose has been sighted at the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying for the first time, becoming the 407th species to be sighted in the area.
A pair of cotton pygmy geese swim in the wetlands of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. [Photo/WeChat account: dongying daily]
The discovery was made during a recent field survey, when reserve monitoring staff, international bird expert and birdwatchers observed the nationally protected bird species in the reserve.
Known as one of the world's smallest ducks, the cotton pygmy goose prefers open waters with abundant vegetation and is rarely found in northern China.
The first record of the species in the reserve highlights the continuous improvement of the Yellow River Delta's ecological environment. Wetland restoration, water conservation efforts and enhanced protection measures have provided favorable habitats for a growing variety of bird species.
The reserve is now home to 71 nationally protected bird species, further demonstrating the region's progress in biodiversity conservation.
