A rare white-eared night heron is found and rescued by villagers in Songyang county. [Photo/WeChat account: zgsynews]

A rare white-eared night heron, a nationally protected animal, was found and rescued by villagers in Songyang county, Lishui city, East China's Zhejiang province, on Aug 6.

The villagers spotted the injured heron near a riverbank and quickly organized a rescue mission. They took the heron to a local wildlife protection station for treatment and rehabilitation.

The white-eared night heron is an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is endemic to China. It is mainly found in freshwater wetlands and feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and mollusks. It can be identified by its black bill with yellow spots, brown head with white stripes, and green speculum feathers.

The sighting of the white-eared night heron in Songyang reflects the county's success in improving its environment and protecting its biodiversity. The county has established and expanded several protected areas, restored wetland habitats, enforced hunting regulations, and raised public awareness as part of its eco-civilization construction plan.

The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, vibrant flora, and diverse fauna. The presence of the white-eared night heron in the area indicates that the region's natural ecosystem is thriving and providing a haven for endangered species.

Authorities in Songyang have hailed this rare encounter as a sign of progress and a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural environment for future generations. They have vowed to continue their efforts to create an environment that supports its unique wildlife and inspires others to participate in environmental protection efforts.