Critically Endangered Shoebill Stork 'Visits' Gaohua High Valley Gorge
Source: Yuxi Net
Recently, a flock of black-winged, white-bodied birds has settled in Gaohua Valley, Tonghai County, attracting the attention of local villagers. According to eyewitnesses, this group of birds numbered over a hundred, having been in Gaohua Valley for nearly a month. During the day, they forage or play in fields and rivers, and at night they roost in the dense forests, coexisting peacefully with local residents.
It is reported that this bird species is scientifically known as the 'sandhill crane', belongs to the Crane family, is a national level two key protected animal, and is listed in the 2013 Red List of Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (INCN). The sandhill crane has a wingspan of 81 cm when its wings are fully extended, with plumage from white to gray, gray-white in winter, and a recessed lower beak, with a distinct gap when the beak is closed, foraging for soft-bodied animals in wetlands and coastal mudflats. It was recorded in 10 October 2006 in Dali Eryuan West Lake, Yunnan Province, China, which was the first recorded case of this species in China. The species distribution is in India and Southeast Asia.
The sandhill crane mainly inhabits tropical wetlands and has high requirements for its habitat. In recent years, the Tonghai County Party Committee and County Government have continuously increased the efforts to protect the environment and carry out publicity, and the ecological environment has been improving day by day. The wild bird species in Gaohua Valley wetlands and surrounding areas have been increasing, and currently there are more than dozens of species. (Yuxi Daily reporter Li Ran, correspondent Huang Jun)
