A flock of Dalmatian pelicans rest in the Xuanmenwan National Wetland Park, located in the county-level city of Yuhuan, Taizhou. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

The Xuanmenwan National Wetland Park, nestled in the county-level city of Yuhuan, Taizhou, recently hosted a record-breaking gathering of 12 Dalmatian pelicans, marking the largest congregation of the birds in the park since their last winter visit in 2021.

The Dalmatian pelican, scientifically known as Pelecanus crispus, is a first-class protected wild animal in China and is classified as a near-threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Measuring 160 to 180 centimeters in length, these birds typically have grayish-white plumage and distinctive elongated curled feathers on the back of their heads. Their natural habitat spans the coastal regions of southeastern Europe, northern Africa, and eastern Asia, encompassing inland lakes, rivers, and marshes. Their diet primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and amphibians.

In January, the Yalin Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry conducted an extensive survey across nearly 20 provinces and municipalities in China, recording a total of 161 Dalmatian pelicans. The presence of these birds is often considered a testament to the improved ecological conditions within their habitats, a phenomenon notably exemplified in the Xuanmenwan National Wetland Park.

Over the years, the park has remained dedicated to bolstering the ecological environment for birds through a series of initiatives, including habitat restoration projects, stringent measures against illegal hunting and fishing activities, and an intensified focus on public education. Presently, the park is home to over 270 bird species, including rare and endangered ones such as the black-faced spoonbill, yellow-billed egret, and black stork.