🌏✨ Nestled at the northern edge of the Yellow Sea Ecoregion, the Yalu River estuary in Dandong, Liaoning Province, plays a pivotal role in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This migratory pathway stretches over 20 countries and regions, connecting the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia.
🐦 From March to May each year, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds make their incredible journey from Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia to breed in the Russian Far East and Alaska. The Yalu River Estuary Wetland serves as a crucial final stop and refueling station, ensuring the survival and breeding success of these migratory species.
📊 Recent surveys have identified 324 bird species within the reserve, including 148 waterbirds and 176 forest birds. Notably, 26 of these species are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and 32 are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
🏅 Recognizing its global importance, the Yalu River estuary is part of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II), which was proudly included in UNESCO's World Heritage List on July 26. This follows the Phase I sanctuaries' inscription in 2019, highlighting China mainland's commitment to preserving these critical habitats.
🌿 The Yalu River estuary not only supports diverse wildlife but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in conserving migratory routes. As a key habitat for countless avian travelers, it remains a beacon of natural heritage and biodiversity.
