[Explanation] In the past few days, affected by the continuous high temperature weather, the highest temperature in the Manas National Wetland Park in Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang reached 39℃. The evaporation of wetland water increased and the water content decreased. In order to maintain the dynamic balance of the wetland system habitat, the wetland park was launched. In order to replenish ecological water, ensure the ecological integrity and functional sustainability of the wetland ecosystem.
[Explanation] In the botanical garden area of the Wetland Park, the clear water of the Ma River flows into the core area of the wetland through the river, and ecological water replenishment has effectively increased the water volume of the wetland.
The wetland ecological water replenishment has played an irreplaceable role for the normal growth of wetland animals and plants, the balance of groundwater in the area, and the improvement of the surrounding air environment quality. After the entire ecological water replenishment is completed, it will also effectively reduce the hidden fire hazards of wetland caused by high temperature.
[Concurrent] Zhang Chao, member of the management and protection team of Manas National Wetland Park Administration, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang
The recent continuous high temperature (weather) has also increased the evaporation of our wetland water. The highest temperature has reached 39 (degrees Celsius), which has greatly reduced the water content of the wetland. In order to ensure the migratory birds and wild animals and plants in the wetland After smoothly passing this stage, we have also increased our water replenishment efforts. The water replenishment work will continue until mid-August, and the water replenishment volume will reach 5 million cubic meters.
[Explanation] Wetland is called the "kidney of the earth". It is an ecosystem with multiple unique functions on the earth. It not only provides a suitable ecological environment for animals and plants, but also maintains ecological balance, biodiversity and rare species resources. As well as the control of soil erosion and other aspects play an important role.
To implement ecological water replenishment, scientific policy is the prerequisite.
In 2021, the Manas National Wetland Park Administration established a water quality inspection station at the water inlet to conduct real-time water quality inspections at the wetland inlet.
[Concurrent] Zhang Chao, member of the management and protection team of Manas National Wetland Park Administration, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang
The ph value, oxygen content, and water volume of the water can be uploaded to our big data platform through our water quality inspection station. We monitor these data in real time, analyze and statistics, and provide a certain degree of science for our future ecological water replenishment. Supported by the data, it can ensure that high-quality water is added to our wetlands and increase the water content of our wetlands.
[Explanation] Manas National Wetland Park is a national wetland reserve and is located on the transportation route for migratory birds from Central Asia to the Indian Peninsula.
Migratory birds in this area took off from East Asian countries, passing through Xinjiang and other places, and finally reached the northern Indian peninsula and Africa.
Nowadays, Manas National Wetland Park has a beautiful ecological environment, rich biodiversity, and sufficient food, which has become an important reason for migratory birds to keep enough for reproduction.
According to the recent monitoring of waterfowl resources during the breeding season carried out by wetland managers, it was learned that 37 species of waterbirds were recorded, with more than 40,000. Compared with the observation data of the same period in 2020, the number of summer migratory birds has increased by more than 20,000.
Continued high temperature weather has reduced the water level of wetlands, decreased plant community productivity and reduced ecological functions, which affected the growth of fish and shrimps. Ecological water replenishment will help the wetlands quickly restore ecological balance and provide sufficient water area and food for migratory birds in the wetlands. , Plays an important role in maintaining wetland biodiversity.
[Concurrent] Zhang Chao, member of the management and protection team of Manas National Wetland Park Administration, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang
After replenishing water, the roots, stems and leaves of plants in our wetlands can be strengthened, promote their growth, and at the same time increase the number of small fish and shrimps in the wetlands, which can provide a rich source of food for more than 40,000 migratory birds in our wetlands. Let them survive this recent high temperature weather safely.
[Explanation] Since 2010, Manas County has invested 300 million yuan to implement the implementation of returning farmland to wetland, returning grazing land to wetland, returning ponds to wetland, expanding the wetland area from 90,000 mu to the current 170,000 mu. The rate of wetland protection increased from 59.7% to 84.16%.
[Explanation] Currently, there are 211 species of vascular plants, 279 species of birds, 24 species of mammals, 3 species of amphibians, 9 species of reptiles, and 65 species of insects in Manas National Wetland Park. Compared with the survey results of the Institute of Geography, 11 species of plants, 7 species of birds, 3 species of mammals, and 1 species of reptiles have been added.
Report from Changji, Xinjiang
Editor in charge: [Fang Jialiang]