Urengu Lake: Watching Over the Mountains

On March 31st, the Red-eyed Dove was frolicking in Urengu Lake National Wetland Park.

Xinjiang Daily News (reporter Liu Xiang Wang Jianli photography report) As the weather gradually warms, Urengu Lake welcomes flocks of migratory birds. According to the Xinjiang Birdwatching Association's 'Reniaofei' project team's numerous survey sample records, currently, national Grade II key protected animal Great Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Black Heron, White Egret, Grey Goose, Geese and Ducks, Common Cormorant, Yellow-footed Gull, Red-eyed Dove, Common Hooded Duck, Black Scoter, etc., have flown in large numbers.

Urengu Lake is one of Xinjiang's important bird habitats. Since 2004, the Xinjiang Birdwatching Association has been conducting bird surveys and conservation here.

Since 2007, the Birdwatching Association has been focusing on the distribution of the globally endangered species White-necked Heron across Xinjiang, including breeding, migration, and wintering populations. Until 2017, we confirmed that Urengu Lake has the largest breeding population, the largest distribution population.

To further clarify the trend and distribution changes of vulnerable waterfowl populations such as white-necked heron and Urengu Lake wetlands, and to promote effective conservation actions in the local area, in September 2019, the Xinjiang Birdwatching Association jointly with Urengu Lake National Wetland Park Administration applied for the 'Reniaofei' grassroots protection network project of theSEE Foundation, and officially launched the annual bird resource survey activities in Urengu Lake this year.