Yulin: A haven for relict gulls

Hongjiannao Wetland in Yulin features a top-tier ecological environment. [Photo/Yulin Daily]

Hongjiannao in Yulin, Shaanxi province, is the largest desert freshwater lake in China and the world's premier breeding ground for relict gulls. Each early summer, this unique ecosystem becomes a sanctuary for nearly 1,500 nests of these rare birds.

According to a Hongjiannao Nature Reserve staff member, nearly 4,000 chicks are expected despite this year's fluctuating spring temperatures delaying the hatching period by about two weeks, raising the total relict gull population during the breeding season to over 7,000.

Relict gulls, classified as critically endangered and a national first-class protected species in China, are highly selective in choosing their breeding sites, opting exclusively for islands in desert and semi-desert lakes.

Jia Jingyue and his colleagues, reserve staff members, are committed to the breeding and nurturing of relict gulls. From late April to early May, they enter their busiest period of the year. "Our patrol route covers nearly 20 kilometers daily, with 24-hour monitoring of the nesting area dynamics and water level changes," Jia said.

Relict gulls incubate eggs on an island at Hongjiannao Wetland. [Photo/Yulin Daily]

The reserve also employs infrared cameras and drone patrols to track the dynamics of the nesting areas in real-time.

According to Gao Jiqiang, deputy director of the reserve, continuous management efforts in recent years have expanded the core habitat area of the lake island for relict gulls to 3.5 square kilometers.

The lake area has been restored to 37.1 square kilometers, with forest and grass coverage increasing to 45 percent. This wetland is now home to 195 bird species, including 12 national first-class protected species.

The reserve plans to advance protection projects encompassing mountains, waters, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. This includes expanding ecological water replenishment and developing a paradise for relict gulls alongside forest, grassland, and wetland nature education facilities.

Relict gulls at Hongjiannao Wetland. [Photo/Yulin Daily]