Freshwater jellyfish in the reservoir of the Suichang Gold Mine National Mine Park in Suichang county, Lishui. [Photo/WeChat ID: ls-mnews]

At the Suichang Gold Mine National Mine Park in Suichang county, Lishui, staff members spotted freshwater jellyfish in the Yinkengshan reservoir, according to local media on Nov 21.

Since their discovery in October 2007, these jellyfish have been sighted in the reservoir of the Suichang mining area for 18 consecutive years.

Known as "water pandas", freshwater jellyfish are classified as a critically endangered species. They require pristine water conditions, including a clean, balanced environment with suitable pH levels.

The Yinkengshan reservoir originates from the western slopes of Niutou Mountain and, after flowing through primeval forests, meets the national first-class drinking water standards.

"The continuous presence of freshwater jellyfish in the mining area is rare and serves as strong evidence of the improving water ecological environment," said Peng Jiayu, a researcher at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

The Suichang mining area has brought significant environmental challenges in its 1,400 years of mining, but over the past 30 years, the local government and enterprises have invested more than 300 million yuan ($41.39 million) in ecological restoration projects.

In recent years, Suichang has made efforts to leverage green mining resources and develop tourism, which generated over 400 million yuan from 2008 to 2023.