Zhejiang’s efforts to protect the Chinese crested tern have helped its adult population reach more than 85 per cent of the global total.
The Thalasseus bernsteini (Chinese crested tern), known as the “mythical bird,” is one of the world’s rarest seabirds. Since 2013, Zhejiang has been carrying out efforts to attract the species to suitable habitats and restore its population through artificial measures. After more than a decade of sustained efforts, the number of adult Thalasseus bernsteini in Zhejiang now accounts for more than 85 per cent of the global population.
Zhejiang is making every effort to achieve higher-quality ecological development. The conservation of the “mythical bird” is a prime example. Biodiversity conservation is not only a key focus in Zhejiang’s pursuit of higher-quality ecological development, but has also gradually become a distinctive feature of the province’s green development efforts on the international stage.
When Summer Returns, jointly produced by Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Environmental Education and Communication and the China News Service Zhejiang Branch, was released online on August 15th. The documentary takes viewers to the islands to hear the stories behind the conservation of the “mythical bird.”
If you liked this article, why not read: Bird-Watching in China: From Hobby to Booming Industry