A Case of Species Resilience: The Comeback of Eastern Great Bustards in China brought by People's Participation in Biodiversity Conservation | BCON Story

In the face of perilous threats such as poaching, the wintering population of the eastern species of Great Bustards in China witnessed a dramatic decline to a mere few hundred individuals. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, China designated them as a national first-level protected species, establishing a sanctuary in Inner Mongolia. However, the Great Bustards, being migratory birds, faced challenges both in their breeding grounds across the Northern Hemisphere, including Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, and in their wintering habitats along the Yellow River basin in China.

The absence of protected areas along their migratory routes and wintering grounds left them vulnerable to illegal hunting and other threats, posing a severe threat to their survival. To address this critical issue, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) rallied local volunteers passionate about birds and wildlife to join forces and supported the grassroots team for the protection of the endangered species. This was the first Community Conservation Area established by the CBCGDF, established in April 2016, and it opened a new charter for Human-based Solution (HbS) for bottom-up efforts of conservation. 

Through active and widespread public outreach initiatives, the CBCGDF volunteers succeeded in raising awareness about the dire situation facing the Great Bustards. This concerted effort proved to be a turning point for the species. Since 2016, the wintering population has rebounded from a mere 500 individuals to an encouraging count exceeding 1400 in China.

The success story underscores the pivotal role played by community engagement in conservation efforts. The collaboration between passionate volunteers and local communities demonstrated that when people unite for a common cause, they can make a substantial impact on the conservation of endangered species. The revitalization of the sub-species of Great Bustard population stands as a testament to the effectiveness of grassroots conservation efforts in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity.

That's the start of inspiration of the Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood (BCON) initiative. As we celebrate this success, it serves as a reminder that ongoing efforts and public participation remain new point in ensuring the sustained protection and survival of vulnerable species. The story of the Great Bustards in China not only highlights the challenges faced by migratory birds but also showcases the transformative power of collective action in the realm of wildlife conservation.

Reporter: Wendy

Editor: Daisy

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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