Taizhou city achieves significant increase in biodiversity

A comprehensive biodiversity survey of Taizhou city – located in East China's Jiangsu province – found that by the end of 2023 it was home to some 3,649 species, including 1,291 vascular plants, 306 terrestrial vertebrates, 914 insects, and 1,138 freshwater species.

Moreover, it found that the city hosted 52 rare species, 80 protected species, 76 indicator species and 22 invasive species.

Last year, 131 new species were recorded, including a rare hinoki cypress and a Siniperca undulata.

A closeup picture of a Siniperca undulata. [Photo/tznews.cn]

A flourishing example of a hinoki cypress, growing in Taizhou. [Photo/tznews.cn]

Experts say Taizhou's strategic location along the Yangtze River, Huaihe River and Yellow Sea makes it a crucial habitat for rare species and a key migration route for birds and aquatic life. A 2021 survey identified 1,310 species, so over two years its biodiversity has notably increased.

Liu Ronglu from the Taizhou ecology and environment bureau credits this to effective protection efforts and advanced monitoring technologies, supported by a monitoring network.

To protect its biodiversity, Taizhou invested over 300 million yuan ($41.46 million) in ecological island projects like Taixing Tianxingzhou and Jiangyan Qinhu Lake. Adding to that, Jingjiang Mazhou Island's "Ecological Island" project was launched, focusing on habitat creation and restoration.

A panoramic view of Jingjiang Mazhou Island's Ecological Island project. [Photo/tznews.cn]

Cao Mingchang, a researcher from the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences noted that Mazhou Island now hosted the province's first standardized biodiversity observation station. Future plans include further development of this observation network to serve as an ecological outpost for the Yangtze River Delta's environmental protection.

What's more, Taizhou has launched the Jingjiang Yangtze River finless porpoise protection volunteer team. The Taizhou's first biodiversity education base has also completed construction and will open soon, encouraging residents to protect the city's rich biodiversity.