A hoopoe is spotted in Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

On summer evenings, the Taohe River in Yangquan becomes a breathtaking scene, with black storks and red-billed blue magpies dancing gracefully above the water.

"As a birdwatcher, I used to rely on chance to spot birds; now, it's a regular occurrence," said He Qiong, a local photography enthusiast. This increased presence of birds is a clear indicator of the city's improving ecological environment.

Yangquan has prioritized bird conservation in recent years to protect biodiversity. Initiatives such as natural forest protection, the Three-North Shelterbelt project, and the Taohe River water quality improvement campaign have significantly enhanced habitats for avian species.

It is also implementing an ecological initiative that promotes the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. Efforts are focused on controlling pollution sources, protecting watersheds, and restoring water ecosystems, all tailored to local conditions and needs.

Little grebes glide across the waters of the Taohe River in Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

Authorities have established a comprehensive protection network through a multi-departmental, multi-faceted approach that combines policy support, technological monitoring, public education, and community involvement.

Institutional support includes refining bird statistics based on the "Shanxi Province Key Protected Wild Animal List". The city boasts a diverse bird population, including nationally protected species like the black stork, great bustard, vulture, peregrine falcon, and yellow-breasted bunting.

Under policy guidance, enforcement actions have been launched to combat illegal activities such as poaching, trading, transporting, and consuming wild animals.

Yangquan has also pioneered a "grid-based + information-based" management model, utilizing wildlife disease monitoring stations, drones, infrared cameras, and watchtowers to monitor wildlife in key forest areas and water sources.

To further safeguard birds, the city employs informational displays, online campaigns, and banners to raise public awareness and foster a culture of wildlife conservation.

The city's Wildlife Rescue Center, which reopened in May, recently rehabilitated a nationally protected peregrine falcon. Since reopening, the center has rescued over 10 nationally protected animals.

Black storks wade through the Taohe River in Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]