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Birds recorded in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

Jiaxing celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity on May 21, with a special event at Ginkgo Swan Lake, showcasing the city's commitment to ecological preservation by announcing the results of its comprehensive biodiversity survey.

The survey, completed in August 2023, recorded 4,465 species, including 1,248 terrestrial plants and 302 bird species, with 62 under national protection and 67 rare and endangered.

Significant findings from the survey included several first sightings for Zhejiang province, such as the Chinese blue flycatcher and the Savannah nightjar. Additionally, over 10 bird species were documented in Jiaxing for the first time, and Haiyan county reported five species which have never been sighted in China previously.

Highlighting individual contributions, biology teacher and photographer Zhang Jie shared his excitement about photographing the Savannah nightjar, expanding its known range. Cao Mingchang, a researcher, emphasized that the survey was the most extensive in Jiaxing's history, providing a solid foundation for future conservation efforts.

The theme for this year's Biodiversity Day was "Be Part of the Plan", encouraging businesses and the public to engage in conservation. The event also recognized the Jiaxing Biodiversity Conservation Volunteer Alliance, reflecting the city's collective approach to protecting biodiversity.

Li Wenhui, the alliance representative, expressed the importance of community involvement in preserving biodiversity. She urged everyone to contribute to the ecological well-being of Jiaxing and to work towards a harmonious coexistence with nature.