Vulnerable Saunders's gulls spotted in Hebei's wetland

SHIJIAZHUANG -- Fifteen Saunders's gulls were spotted recently in the Qilihai lagoon wetland in North China's Hebei province.

The gulls were sighted by the management center of Hebei Changli gold coast national nature reserve staff members during its bird surveillance round.

The Saunders's gulls have been listed as "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with a global population of less than 2,000.

As an indicator species, Saunders's gulls are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment.

The Qilihai lagoon wetland, located on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, provides a vital ground for resting and foraging for migratory birds.

In recent years, ecological restoration projects have been carried out in the wetland, the lake surface area expanded, water quality improved and various food sources and habitats for birds created. Moreover, disturbances by human activities have been effectively curbed.

The Qilihai lagoon wetland has so far recorded a total of 204 species of birds.