Rare bird species spotted in north China's grassland

The Dalmatian pelicans rest on the water at the Urad Grassland in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yunping)

HOHHOT, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Dalmatian pelican, a freshwater bird species under China's first-class protection, was spotted in Urad Grassland, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local forestry and grassland authorities.

A total of 16 pelicans, including both adult and juvenile birds, were spotted at the Hongqi Reservoir within a national-level nature reserve, marking the highest number observed in this location in recent years, according to the forestry and grassland administration of Urad Back Banner.

The Dalmatian Pelican primarily inhabits coastal areas of southeastern Europe, northern Africa and eastern Asia, as well as inland lakes, rivers, and marshes.

The growing presence of this species in the reserve reflects the improving grassland ecology and growing awareness among herdsmen about wildlife conservation, said Su Jun, director of the administration.

The Dalmatian pelicans fly over the Urad Grassland in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yunping)

The Dalmatian pelicans rest on the water at the Urad Grassland in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yunping)