A flock of black-faced spoonbills wintering at the Dongfang Black-faced Spoonbill Provincial Nature Reserve, Hainan Province. (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

On March 30, the Forestry Department of Hainan Province announced the results of the 2026 synchronized survey of wintering waterbirds in the province, which recorded 77 species and a total of more than 40,000 individuals for the first time. These new highs indicate ongoing improvements in Hainan's ecological environment.

Hainan serves as a vital wintering and stopover site for migratory birds in China, as well as a crucial full-time habitat for many rare and endangered species. Recently, coordinated efforts across various provincial departments have enhanced ecological protection, leading to more frequent sightings of rare bird species.

In January this year, Sibi Bay, a nationally important wetland area in Dongfang City, recorded the black-headed gull for the first time during routine biodiversity monitoring. This species is a first-class nationally protected wildlife species.

Over the past five years, the black-faced spoonbill population in Dongfang has grown by up to 250%, reaching a historic peak. A total of 226 individuals were recorded across the province, breaking its previous record once again. Other rare species observed include the greater white-fronted goose, black-headed gull, steppe eagle, common crane, and Far Eastern reed warbler.

Beyond Dongfang, the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper, a first-class nationally protected species, has been observed wintering in Danzhou Bay for seven consecutive years. At the Panjia Provincial Nature Reserve, the population of the pale-capped pigeon, a second-class nationally protected species, remains steady at approximately 40-50 individuals.

Wang Shihui, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Wildlife Conservation Bureau, noted that Hainan has consistently prioritized avian resource conservation through enhancing habitat management, enforcement of laws, and public education initiatives.

At the same time, Hainan has actively partnered with the National Bird Banding Center to promote the scientific research and conservation of rare bird species. In Dongfang City, seven black-faced spoonbills were fitted with GPS-tracking devices, setting a national record for the most devices deployed on wild individuals in one effort. This initiative has provided vital data for scientific studies and targeted conservation.