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**Wildlife Thrives as City Undertakes First Urban Habitat Survey** Yesterday, dozens of white swans gracefully glided through the wetlands of Huairou Reservoir, sometimes swimming in pairs, other times spreading their wings in a dance, enjoying the early spring sunshine and water. This serene moment was captured by photographer Wang Xibao. A vibrant metropolis is incomplete without the chirping of birds, the scampering of squirrels, and the graceful fluttering of bees, butterflies, and dragonflies. Aiming for a higher quality of development in harmony with nature, the city is conducting its first urban wildlife habitat survey this spring. The survey will assess the conditions of habitats within the urban area, and based on the findings, protection levels will be designated. High-value habitats will be classified as conservation zones, where human activity will be strictly limited, allowing the wildlife to thrive in peace. ### Surveying Mandarin Ducks and Long-eared Owls The richness of a city's biodiversity is directly reflected by the abundance of small animals. Since the beginning of this year, the city's wildlife protection department has launched surveys on the populations of Mandarin ducks and long-eared owls, analyzing their species, numbers, distribution, survival conditions, and threats. The Mandarin duck, known for its striking plumage, is a familiar sight for locals. In the past, these birds were only spotted in the urban area during migration in spring and autumn, and the summer breeding season. Now, however, they can also be seen in winter, with more wild ducks appearing in parks. This year, the city's Wildlife Rescue Center organized volunteers to conduct a distribution survey of Mandarin ducks within the city's Fifth Ring Road, focusing on nine key habitats, including Yuyuantan Park, Beihai Park, and the Beijing Zoo. In the recently concluded winter survey, volunteers recorded a total of 547 Mandarin ducks, with larger numbers found at the lake behind the Agricultural Exhibition Hall, the Beijing Zoo, and Yuyuantan. A spring survey is planned for mid-to-late March. The population survey of long-eared owls, commonly known as owls, is currently underway. As a raptor species, long-eared owls feed on small animals like mice, bats, and birds. "The presence of more raptors in an area often indicates a richer biodiversity," said Zhang Zhiming, director of the city's Wildlife Department. Professor Deng Wenhong, a researcher at Beijing Normal University with over 20 years of experience studying wild birds, is participating in this owl survey. According to his observations, 62 individual long-eared owls have been confirmed in the Beijing area since the onset of winter. Based on various factors, the estimated population of long-eared owls in the region is between 300 and 700. Most of them have settled in the suburbs, as the city's parks have fewer small animals to hunt and more human disturbances, resulting in lower owl distribution. In recent years, the city has also conducted a specialized survey on swifts. Swifts were once a common sight in Beijing, but their numbers have plummeted with rapid urbanization. The survey revealed that these birds, once fond of nesting under eaves of ancient buildings, have adapted to modern environments, with nests now found under large overpasses and on the roofs of structures like Terminal 3 at the airport. ### Establishing a Habitat Protection Directory Following the specialized wildlife surveys, this spring marks the launch of the first-ever comprehensive survey of wildlife habitats in Beijing’s urban area. Unlike single-species studies, this survey aims for a holistic evaluation of ecological conditions, assessing the diversity of species, the survival status of important wildlife, and the preservation of forested areas and water systems. This is the first time such a detailed assessment of urban wildlife habitats has been undertaken. Based on the survey findings, the city plans to establish a wildlife habitat protection directory, classifying habitats into three categories: high, medium, and low-value protection areas. High-value habitats will be designated as conservation zones where human activities are restricted to allow wildlife to thrive undisturbed. "Natural habitats recover quickly as long as they are left undisturbed by humans," said Zhang Zhiming. For example, the core area of Haidian’s Cuihu Wetland Park has been protected for over a decade, resulting in a flourishing ecosystem. More than 200 species of wild birds and 400 species of wetland plants have been recorded, including rare birds like the Baer's Pochard, Black-headed Gull, and Great Bustard, as well as protected plants such as wild soybeans and insectivorous bladderwort. ### Biodiversity Restoration Projects In addition to the habitat survey, the city is launching several biodiversity restoration pilot projects this year. Six biodiversity demonstration zones will be established in the plains, mountainous areas, and urban areas to gather experience for future habitat restoration efforts. ### Strengthening Habitat Protection Legislation Protecting wildlife starts with safeguarding their habitats, but strong protection measures require legal support. As part of the revision of the city's implementation of the national Wildlife Protection Law, the authorities are conducting preliminary research on including habitat protection in the legislation. This will provide a legal basis for enforcing actions against activities that disturb or damage wildlife habitats. One significant challenge for habitat protection is the frequent human activity in urban parks, which are important wildlife habitats but also popular recreational spaces for residents. There is often a conflict between the public’s desire for more space for leisure activities and the need to protect these habitats. The city hopes that residents will understand and support these conservation efforts. (Reported by Wang Haiyan)