Dongtou Bird Island selected as “Provincial Bird-watching Resort”

Recently, the Forestry Bureau of Zhejiang Province unveiled the second group of“Bird-Watching Resorts in Zhejiang Province”. Dongtou's Nanbeipan Mountain was included in this list, thanks to its exceptional natural endowment and diverse bird population. This recognition marks a noteworthy accomplishment in the ecological conservation efforts of Dongtou District, making the site the second provincial bird-watching resort in Wenzhou following the Sanyang Wetland.

Located in Luxi township, Dongtou’s Nanbeipan Mountain, also known as Dongtou Bird Island, boasts a total land area of 0.14 square kilometers, a sea area of 8.84 square kilometers, and a coastline stretching 2.95 kilometers. Blessed with favorable natural conditions, the island has become a sanctuary for avian species. According to the latest monitoring survey, the Bird Island hosts a remarkable diversity of birdlife, with 105 species identified, representing 15 orders, 40 families, and 72 genera. Among them, 11 species are classified as rare, endangered, and nationally protected birds, drawing bird photography enthusiasts from across the nation.

In recent years, Dongtou District has taken various measures to better protect these rare bird species. The“building nests to attract birds” project has been implemented, accompanied by the establishment of special funds for the protection and management of the Bird Island. Efforts have been made to mobilize local villagers, volunteers, and fishermen, particularly during fishing moratorium periods to form the“Dongming Bird Team”. Daily patrol and management boats have been deployed, and long-distance monitoring and management have been improved through surveillance platforms. These comprehensive actions aim to combat the illegal collection of island organisms and prevent any harm to the bird resources. Additionally, stringent measures have been enforced against unauthorized fishing activities within the protected area’s sea territory.

Furthermore, Dongtou District has constructed bird watching platforms and launched the Luxi Bird Island sea tour project in 2023. Over the course of two months, the project has attracted nearly a thousand visitors, thereby significantly contributing to the conservation and advancement of local ecotourism resources. It has enriched the maritime tourism industry in Wenzhou, reinforced efforts to crack down on unauthorized private boats approaching the Bird Island, while ensuring the regulation of bird watching activities. Consequently, this comprehensive initiative has yielded substantial economic and social benefits. (ZhongXin)