The Qilihai Wetlands in Tianjin's Ninghe district

Birds are the barometer of ecological changes. In recent years, Tianjin's Ninghe district has persisted in the priority it places on ecology by carrying out the restoration and maintenance of the Qilihai Wetlands. This has significantly enhanced the ecological functions of the wetlands, achieved a virtuous cycle in the wetland ecosystem and continuously increased the biodiversity of the region.

In 2023, there were over 258 species and more than 500,000 birds resting and migrating in the Qilihai Wetlands, including nationally protected animals such as the Oriental White Stork and the Reed Parrotbill.

Pelecanus crispus, a national first-level protected animal

The Pelecanus crispus, a national first-level protected animal, appeared in the Qilihai Wetlands in May 2023. It is listed as a "vulnerable" species on the Red List of Threatened Species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its population decreasing year by year. It is now estimated that there are only around 10,000 to 20,000 Pelecanus crispu globally.

Following the discovery of the Pelecanus crispus, the Platalea minor has also been found at the Qilihai Wetlands.

Over the years, the Qilihai Wetland Management Committee has implemented a series of measures such as rational water level regulation, monitoring and rescue, and further increasing protection efforts for migratory birds. These actions have created a favorable habitat for migratory birds, attracting a large number of rare migratory birds to Qilihai. Through monitoring and recording, the committee has been found that both the variety and quantity of rare bird species visiting Qilihai have significantly increased.