Finless porpoises frolic in the Nantong section of the Yangtze River. [Photo/WeChat account: ntjoy2012]

From the playful frolics of finless porpoises in the Nantong section of the Yangtze River to the gathering of rare bird species, and from the meandering of wetland creatures to the resurgence of native species, Nantong in Jiangsu province is making significant contributions to global ecological protection.

Driven by Nantong's initiatives to protect the Yangtze River and efforts in wetland restoration projects, the city has documented 4,117 species, including 103 plants and animals under national protection.

With 522,400 hectares of wetlands, Nantong ranks second in Jiangsu in terms of wetland area. The city's coastal and marine wetlands, riverine wetlands, and artificial wetlands provide diverse habitats for a wide array of species.

In areas like Qidong's Yuantuojiao, Rudong's Xiaoyangkou and Rugao's Changqingsha, expansive tidal wetlands attract numerous migratory birds seeking rest and nourishment. Notably, the Chinese crested tern, often dubbed the "mythical bird" with only about 200 individuals worldwide, has appeared along Nantong's coast for five consecutive years. Meanwhile, the elk herd in Rudong's Xiaoyangkou has expanded to hundreds, becoming the first natural breeding ground for wild elk outside Yancheng, Jiangsu.

As Nantong intensifies its ecological protection efforts, species that had long been absent, such as the hog badger, leopard cat and firefly, have reemerged in local forests, fields, and villages. In forested areas like Junshan and Jianshan mountains, wild plant communities are flourishing, with nationally protected species such as wild soybeans, tulip trees, and floating ferns thriving.

Today, biodiversity protection is a shared commitment in Nantong. Businesses are proactively shifting toward green development to minimize ecological impact. Volunteers engage in bird monitoring and wetland cleanup activities. Primary and secondary school students attend nature classes to enhance their ecological knowledge, while residents capture enchanting moments of local wildlife with their phones. Through practical local actions, Nantong is safeguarding countless living beings and reinforcing its ecological barriers.