Second-generation Baer's pochards released at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Hebei

Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and under first-class national protection in China, the Baer's pochard has seen dedicated conservation efforts since a national working group was established in 2016.

Six of the released birds were fitted with satellite trackers to record their movements. Researchers hope the data will help locate historical breeding grounds in Northeast China and Russia's Far East, providing critical information for targeted protection.

The release represents the culmination of a decade of research by Chinese scientists, offering a homegrown solution for the species' survival.