The nation's second survey on aquatic birds living in wetlands along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze as well as along southern Yellow Sea was kicked off on February 13 simultaneously in five provinces (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu) and one city (Shanghai). The survey is jointly organized by the State Forestry Administration and WWF China office.

Vast wetlands in these areas are home to many water birds in winter, including precious species as crane, stork and swan, but statistics about them remained incomplete for a long time. In February 2004, the first survey was launched to collect systematic statistics on species and number of these birds.

Survey results of the first four days are not satisfactory since fewer species and numbers can be seen compared with last year, but this is mainly attributed to lingering rainy days.

Like in the previous one, the survey team has made full preparations in technology, equipment and logistics. They also invited Australian aquatic bird experts for a two-week pre-survey training in order to achieve more scientific results and work more efficiently. The whole survey will conclude on February 28.

By People's Daily Online