A black-faced spoonbill is spotted in Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

An intelligent bird monitoring system in Rugao has, for the first time, captured images of the globally endangered black-faced spoonbill, a Class I nationally protected species in China, marking a significant milestone in local biodiversity conservation.

The rare bird was observed foraging on tidal flats, sweeping its long, spatula-shaped bill through shallow waters. With its beak partially open, the black-faced spoonbill moved its head side to side, relying on its acute sense of touch to detect and catch small fish, shrimp and crabs.

As a key indicator species for wetland ecosystems, the black-faced spoonbill has stringent habitat requirements. According to a global census conducted in 2025, the species' population stands at just over 7,000 individuals worldwide, underscoring the importance of every new sighting.

The bird's appearance in Rugao reflects notable improvements in the ecological health of the local section of the Yangtze River. In recent years, the area has seen clearer waters, greener riverbanks and a significant recovery in aquatic biodiversity. The abundance of fish, shrimp and crab has created an ideal habitat, drawing the endangered species to the region.

Rugao plans to intensify monitoring efforts and launch a second round of baseline biodiversity surveys. These initiatives aim to build a comprehensive understanding of local ecosystems, strengthen conservation capacity and support the development of more targeted and science-based measures to protect wildlife resources.