Dalmatian Pelican Surge at Shanghai Wetland Reserve

The Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve in Shanghai has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of Dalmatian pelicans, a rare and endangered species. This surge in sightings highlights the city's commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecological protection.

In January 2024, two separate encounters recorded a total of 17 Dalmatian pelicans at the reserve. This followed the sighting of a single bird in November 2021, marking the species' return to the area after a significant absence.

The Dalmatian pelican, a first-class nationally protected species, is the largest of all pelican species and one of the world's biggest waterfowl. These majestic birds, with their distinctive large beaks and impressive wingspans, typically inhabit inland lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas with minimal human interference and high-quality ecological conditions.

Their strict environmental requirements and diet of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and amphibians make them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and human activity. The East Asian population of Dalmatian pelicans is estimated to be around 160, facing threats from hunting in their Mongolian breeding grounds and habitat loss.

The Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea, provides a critical wintering site and stopover point for migratory waterfowl. Its designation as a nationally important wetland and inclusion in the first batch of nationally significant habitats for terrestrial wildlife underscore its ecological significance.

The reserve's efforts to protect and restore wetlands have resulted in a rich biodiversity, with 63 species of higher plants, 126 species of macrofauna, 135 species of fish, and 236 bird species recorded. The presence of 10 first-class nationally protected and 41 second-class protected bird species further emphasizes the reserve's importance for conservation.

Shanghai's commitment to wetland and ecological conservation is evident in the recent addition of the Chongming Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve to UNESCO's World Heritage List and the introduction of a special wetland conservation plan. These initiatives demonstrate the city's dedication to preserving its natural heritage and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.