Biodiversity thrives on Tianxingzhou Island after major eco project

A bird's-eye view of Tianxingzhou Island in Taixing, Taizhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

In early spring, Tianxingzhou Island in Taixing, Taizhou is characterized by the reflective expanse of the Yangtze River and vast reed marshes that sway along the riverbanks. The reed beds resonate with the calls of various avian species, including the rare Reed Parrotbill.

Once difficult to spot along the Yangtze River, the species has returned in significant numbers thanks to the construction of the Tianxingzhou Ecological Island pilot zone. The project, which began in 2023, has now been fully completed, yielding notable advancements in biodiversity protection and ecological restoration.

The pilot zone implemented six key projects: biodiversity monitoring, species protection, and habitat improvement for plants and animals, among others. With a total investment of about 173 million yuan ($25 million), the program has built a biodiversity observation station and installed eight AI-powered high-definition bird monitoring cameras.

The monitoring network also includes birdwatching telescopes, infrared cameras and intelligent sound-recording devices. Ten observation routes, totaling more than 18 kilometers, now cover Tianxingzhou Island and the surrounding riverbank areas, enabling round-the-clock, high-precision monitoring of bird activity. In addition, two sonar-equipped vessels have been deployed to track aquatic wildlife such as the Yangtze finless porpoise.

A series of ecological restoration projects has also been carried out. About 190 hectares of wetlands have been restored. Strategic measures such as optimizing hydrological conditions, reestablishing reed populations and removing invasive plant species. These measures have helped create an ideal habitat for birds to feed and breed.

So far, the biodiversity observation station has recorded 85 bird species along the Taixing section of the Yangtze River.

In the next phase, the pilot zone will continue to improve habitats on the island by optimizing food chains, reducing human disturbance and installing bird-friendly facilities.