Biodiversity thrives as conservation efforts take root in Taizhou

Tianxingzhou Island in Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Biodiversity along the Jingjiang section of the Yangtze River has seen a significant revival in recent years, thanks to intensified protection efforts and the implementation of a 10-year fishing ban.

Finless porpoises — a critically endangered species — have been making a steady return. Forty-two individual porpoises have been identified in this area, symbolizing Jingjiang's improved ecosystem.

A finless porpoise is spotted in the Jingjiang section of the Yangtze River. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Further downstream in Tianxingzhou — a natural wetland island stretching about 9 kilometers in Taixing — has become a vital habitat for many species. Between February and April, the Jiangsu Academy of Environmental Industry and Technology recorded 83 bird species and over 6,600 individual birds along 12 observation transects covering Tianxingzhou and nearby riverside zones.

To strengthen the island's role as a key stopover on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, a series of protection measures is planned. These include habitat restoration, food chain optimization, minimizing human disturbance, and building bird-friendly facilities.

Taizhou has also ramped up efforts to protect biodiversity citywide. Measures include the development of a national-level observation network, expanding wetland reserves, and installing artificial bird nests in city parks. These initiatives have helped reshape the region's ecological landscape and enhance biodiversity.