Black Swans' Occurrence from Peking University Weiming Wetlands Published on Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Peking University's Weiming Lake Wetland is renowned for its rich biodiversity. This beautiful wetland ecosystem is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including various bird species, insects, plants, and animals. Among them, the black swan stands out as one of the most captivating birds in the campus's waters, attracting the attention of students, faculty, and visitors who frequently stop to admire them. In mid-September 2023, the black swan occurences of Peking University's Weiming Lake Wetland was published on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The data collection and reporting were conducted by Shouyong and Shouyuan, school students from a Beijing pramary school and a secondary school.

The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterfowl known for its striking appearance. It has a vibrant red or orange bill with a conspicuous pale stripe at the tip, and its plumage is predominantly gray-black. With its long neck and graceful appearance, black swans are known for their preference for aquatic plants as their primary food source. They are categorized as a species of "Least Concern" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Originally native to Australia and New Zealand, black swans can now be found in several countries around the world. Their migratory patterns are irregular and influenced by climatic conditions. Adult black swans typically measure between 110 and 142 centimeters in length and weigh between 3.7 and 9 kilograms. Their wingspan ranges from 1.6 to 2 meters. Black swans are monogamous breeders, with both males and females sharing the responsibilities of incubating eggs and raising their young.

Black swans are known for their rich vocalizations. They produce melodious and far-reaching bugle-like calls that can be heard both on water and during flight. Additionally, they emit a series of soft, low-pitched murmurs. During the breeding and nesting season, they also engage in "whistling," especially when disturbed, using this behavior to deter intruders.

According to various sources, the GBIF WG of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) found that black swans were reported first arriving at Peking University's Weiming Lake Wetland in 2018. Over the past few years, they have been a regular presence at the lake, and their numbers have been observed annually. In the summer of 2023, as recorded in the data collected by the observers on various dates in August, a total of four black swans were observed. Multiple instances of intense chases and confrontations were noted, as they engaged in fierce pursuits and battles on the tranquil waters of Weiming Lake Wetland, injecting vitality into the serene landscape. According to these two children's reports, they speculate that there should be two families of black swans.

【The Importance of Open Biodiversity Information for the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)】

Open biodiversity information plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as believed by the GBIF team of CBCGDF. This information provides a platform for global scientific communities and policymakers to share and access biodiversity data and knowledge. It is open to anyone and any institution, promoting open science and fostering global cooperation, scientific research, policy formulation, and public awareness. In a context where funding for biodiversity conservation is scarce, it prevents the duplication of limited resources and financial waste across multiple countries.

Furthermore, the open sharing of bioinformatics infrastructure contributes to supporting the monitoring of biodiversity conservation progress, the development of sustainable strategies, and resource management worldwide. This, in turn, provides data support for ensuring the effective implementation of GBF, thereby safeguarding and preserving the biodiversity of our planet. The CBCGDF will continue to support the work of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Secretariat and to promote its popularity in China and beyond.

Reporter: Sally
Editor: Sara

References:
https://www.gbif.org/species/2498344
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan
http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22679843
https://www.iucnredlist.org/ja/species/22679843/131907524

Editor: Sara     

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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