Ordos supplements water in relict gull reserve

Relict gulls begin returning to Ordos National Nature Reserve after the completion of a water supplementation project. [Photo/ordosly.gov.cn]

A water supplementation project in the Ordos National Nature Reserve for Relict Gulls, a national A-level protected animal, has recently been completed, according to local news media.

Streams from the Yellow River can now freely flow into the nature reserve, also known as Bojianghaizi Wetland.

Following a 20-day trial of the project, the area has been replenished with nearly 140,000 cubic meters of water. 

The wetlands are estimated to expand from 3 square kilometers to 7 sq km in about 400 days.

The project was designed to restore the wetland’s ecological environment, which has seen a sharp decline in its relict gull population since 2003 due to diminishing water supplies in the area.

As many as 20,000 gulls can now be seen in the area during migration periods. Nearly 400 are believed to be relict gulls.