Slaty-Legged Falcon Spotted in Mengnuo Wetlands of Yunnan
Reporter Zhao Hanbin of the Technology Daily
In recent days, more than ten ‘large birds’ with peculiar appearances have appeared in the large sea ecological wetlands of Mengnuo Town, Longling County, Baxiang, Yunnan, repeatedly. They rest in trees near the wetlands, and sometimes soar and circle in the sky.After confirmation by local forestry technicians, this is the first time the Slaty-legged falcon has been found in Mengnuo wetlands of Longling.
Slaty-legged falcon inhabiting the large sea ecological wetlands of Mengnuo Town, Longling.
The Slaty-legged falcon belongs to migratory birds, with distribution in India, Sri Lanka and Laos, Myanmar and other South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Its migration route passes through China’s Yunnan Province. During the breeding season, it often mixes with other storks and waterbirds. The first record in West Lake, Yueran, Yunnan in October 3, 2006, was the first record of the Slaty-legged falcon in China. Due to its rarity, it was listed in the 2013 Red List of Endangered Species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) at the level of Vulnerable.
Slaty-legged falcon inhabiting the large sea ecological wetlands of Mengnuo Town, Longling.
Longling Small Black Mountain Protection Area technical staff Hu Xingyun introduced that the Slaty-legged falcon appearing in Longling this time often resides in swamps, ponds, lakesides and other areas rich in food, mainly feeding on amphibians, reptiles and small aquatic invertebrates. Fish, shrimp and frogs supplement its diet. The appearance of the Slaty-legged falcon in Mengnuo wetlands is likely a temporary stopover during migration to supplement food.
Large sea ecological wetlands of Mengnuo Town, Longling, Baxiang, Yunnan.
The wetlands of Baxiang, Yunnan, are rich in wetland resources, especially located next to the Nujiang River, and adjacent to Myanmar. The large sea ecological wetlands of Mengnuo Town, Longling, are an important stopover for international migratory birds. Furthermore, the surrounding high-latitude, low-altitude geographical and climatic conditions are suitable for the survival and reproduction of various plants and birds, fish and insects, forming a biodiversity environment. The total area of Mengnuo ecological wetland is more than 1000 acres, and dozens of wild bird species inhabit it.
Mengnuo Forestry Station director Li Jia You introduced that in recent years, due to the adoption of joint patrols, ecological restoration and educational propaganda, the environment of wetlands and surrounding areas wild animals has been improved, and the number of visible bird species and populations has gradually increased.
Source: Technology Daily
Editor: Yue Liang
Review: Wang Xiaolong
Final Review: Chen Wensheng
