The endangered black stork (Ciconia nigra), a national first-class protected wild animal, was recently recorded for the first time in Gui'an New Area, Southwest China's Guizhou province, highlighting the significant achievements made in ecological and environmental protection in Gui'an.

The black storks in Gui'an New Area. [Photo/Mu Lang]

Adult black storks can reach a body length of up to 100 centimeters, with distinctive black and white plumage. Their head, neck, and back are glossy black with a metallic sheen, while the abdomen is pure white. They have bright red bills and legs. They primarily inhabit wetlands such as clear rivers, lakes, and marshes rich in food resources, feeding mainly on fish and occasionally on frogs and crustaceans. In China, they are mostly winter migratory birds, migrating from northern breeding grounds to southern wintering areas, with some individuals wintering in Guizhou.

The black storks in Gui'an New Area. [Photo/Mu Lang]

This finding adds to the biodiversity data of Gui'an New Area and further lays the foundation for biodiversity conservation and monitoring efforts in the region.