Birds are seen at Ulunggur Lake in Fuhai County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)
URUMQI, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) — Living with animals and Mother Nature for seven years, Ayimurat Dawuletbek developed an curiosity in birds and a particular ability of recognizing completely different species by way of their chirps. After cautious statement, he can now title greater than 80 sorts of birds.
Ayimurat Dawuletbek is a ranger on the Ulunggur Lake National Wetland Park in Fuhai County of Altay Prefecture within the northern a part of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Covering an space of greater than 127,000 hectares, the lake is the biggest everlasting freshwater lake in northern Xinjiang.
Ayimurat Dawuletbek has witnessed the ecological enchancment of the park in recent years by way of the relentless efforts of the native authorities.
Many birds breed on the lake as a part of their migration course of. “I obtained the prospect to listen to and keep in mind their chirps solely as a result of they’re staying right here for longer than earlier than,” mentioned Ayimurat Dawuletbek.
As a node on international hen migration flyways, Ulunggur Lake additionally serves as an “power provide station” for migratory birds, akin to whooper swans, mute swans and white-tailed eagles, as they fly over the Tianshan Mountains and the Altai Mountains.
The variety of hen species within the park rose from 67 in 2017 to 271 in 2021, up by 300 p.c, in accordance with Ren Yuehu, deputy director of the park’s administration bureau.
Ren famous that, due to measures akin to establishing seven conservation stations, conducting common patrols and spreading wetland safety information among the many public, there are greater than 200 varieties of untamed vegetation rising within the park, in addition to over 300 wild animals breeding right here.
Protection of the ecological surroundings has additionally introduced bonuses to Fuhai County. Harnessing its pure sources, the county has established three scenic spots alongside the Ulunggur Lake. The village of Akwutkel, on the best way to one of many scenic spots, was beforehand little recognized however is now fairly busy, with residents working within the tourism commerce.
Jensbek Muratbek, who owns a Kazak-style yurt farm-stay within the village, mentioned he was depending on farming and elevating cattle. Now, with further earnings from working agritainment, he can earn about 90,000 yuan (about 12,682 U.S. {dollars}) a yr.
About eight households within the village now provide lodging and meals for vacationers. Due to their proximity to the scenic spot, these homestays have welcomed 50,000 vacationers, with a complete earnings of 500,000 yuan, this yr, in accordance with native officers.
So far, Fuhai County has obtained practically 3.8 million vacationers in 2023, a rise of 66.87 p.c yr on yr. The tourism income has surged by 48.41 p.c yr on yr to about 2.2 billion yuan. Tourism within the county, together with vacationer sights, accommodations and farm stays, has offered 1,241 job alternatives instantly. ■
