Yellow-billed egret is spotted for the first time at Liyashan wetland in Haimen district. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Nantong's Haimen district, located along the coast of the Yangtze River, is actively engaged in initiatives addressing biodiversity conservation.

Authorities have been continuously improving its infrastructure and progressively establishing a sound fixed observation network for biodiversity.

They have also commissioned a biodiversity team from Nanjing University to conduct long-term fixed observation work in the intertidal flats of Liya Mountain and the Coastal Forest Park.

The district completed a biodiversity baseline survey in 2020, documenting a total of 1,155 species.

Following up on this effort, in 2023, a one-year survey was conducted in four quarters, resulting in the cumulative observation of 336 species across various organisms. Among them were 13 rare and endangered species, 10 national protected species, and seven invasive species.

Compared to the baseline survey completed in 2020, the district has identified an additional 60 species.

Significant ecological scenes have also been witnessed in the district, including the gathering of a large number of national-level protected wild birds, such as black-headed gulls and yellow-billed egrets.

A spectacular ecological phenomenon also occurred during which 60 dolphins were spotted swimming in groups in the Yellow Sea.

Ruddy turnstones are spotted in Haimen district. [Photo/ntjoy.com]