On April 19, China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) announced groundbreaking findings from the synchronized winter survey of Baer's Pochard (Aythya baeri) led by Beijing Forestry University(BFU), revealing a population of 2,555 individuals in China, a 155% increase from 2012, with 16 key habitats identified. This marks the first comprehensive assessment of the species' global status, positioning China as the global stronghold for this rare species. State media outlets, including CCTV and Xinhua, reported the findings.

Listed as Critically Endangered(CR) species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and under China's first–class national protection, Baer's Pochard has suffered a sharp global population decline since the 1980s due to habitat loss and hunting. China now hosts the majority of the remaining population.

In 2016, BFU established the National Baer's Pochard Conservation Working Group. Professor Ding Changqing from the School of Ecology and Nature Conservation has spearheaded conservation efforts for many years. Key achievements include hosting international symposiums, developing a national action plan, establishing China's first captive breeding program with Beijing Zoo, restoring critical habitats, etc.

The census, conducted by BFU, engaged 400 researchers from 57 institutions across 21 provinces to survey 212 wetlands. The study identified 76 wintering sites, including 16 critical habitats that support 83.6% of the total Baer's Pochard population (2,136 individuals). Among those habitats, lakes account for 71.5%, and rivers 18.2%, reservoirs 10.3%.

"This data is pivotal for shaping targeted protection measures and updating IUCN global assessments," said Professor Ding.

Written by Ma Fuguang, Ye Yuanxing
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang