Migratory Little Terns Find Summer Haven by Hualien's Heping River

TaiwanPlus News

Migratory little tern seabirds have found a new summer nesting ground at the mouth of the Heping River on Taiwan's east coast. Their numbers there are growing thanks to the efforts of conservationists working together with local businesses.

Transcript

00:00On the northern tip of Taiwan's scenic east coast,

00:03some very special summer visitors have landed.

00:07These birdies are little terns,

00:10tiny migratory birds flying in all the way from Australia and New Zealand.

00:15And they've picked an unexpected spot to raise their chicks, this beach.

00:30Little terns typically migrate to Taiwan between April and August.

00:35But their usual nesting spots along the Hualien Riverbanks are becoming less suitable,

00:39as fishing, beach cleanup efforts, and stray dogs and cats all disturb their habitats there.

00:45Now, the Heping River is a new refuge.

00:48And looking to protect their new feathered neighbors,

00:50local businesses are forming patrol teams to support tern conservation.

00:55The Taiwan Cement Corporation is working with the Wild Bird Society

00:58for the first time ever.

01:00And their efforts are already showing results.

01:03The number of little terns at Hualien River is steadily increasing,

01:06with around 120 nests recorded.

01:25The team hopes to boost the birds' breeding success rate

01:28by 10% within three years,

01:30and aims to promote education on tern conservation

01:32in local elementary schools,

01:35inspiring the community to continue protecting these tiny travelers.

01:39Fu Hua Hung and Chelsea Wu for Taiwan Plus.

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