A large number of birds shelter at the Nanbeipan Mountain in Dongtou district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/wzrb.com.cn]
Dongtou district's Nanbeipan Mountain has recently gained recognition as one of Zhejiang province's designated birdwatching sites, a testament to its natural beauty and diverse avian life.
It is the second designated provincial-level birdwatching site following the Sanyang Wetland in Wenzhou.
Located in Luxi township, Dongtou's Nanbeipan Mountain, also known as Dongtou bird island, covers a land area of 0.14 square kilometers and a sea area of 8.84 sq km, and has a coastline spanning 2.95 kilometers.
With its pristine environment, it has become a sanctuary for various bird species. Recent monitoring efforts have revealed the presence of 105 bird species, including 11 rare and endangered species, attracting bird enthusiasts nationwide to observe and document them.
In efforts to safeguard these avian inhabitants, the area has established a dedicated fund for bird island protection, mobilized local stakeholders to form a bird protection team and adopted measures including regular patrols, utilization of surveillance technology, and strict enforcement against illegal activities within the protected marine waters.
Furthermore, the area has built birdwatching platforms and introduced the Luxi bird island sea tour project in 2023. Over a two-month period, the initiative has attracted nearly 1,000 tourists, contributing to the conservation and sustainable development of local ecological tourist attractions. It also enhances marine tourism offerings in the city while ensuring the regulation of birdwatching activities and enforcement against unauthorized activities on the island.