Edge effect

According to local ecological conservation biologists, the mountains to the north and west of Beijing provide ideal resting places for migratory birds, while ancient imperial parks and buildings offer perfect habitats for other wild creatures.

But as the city has expanded, some farmland has been relinquished for construction. A rising number of people have also flocked to the capital, leading to traffic congestion and pollution.

Shi Yang, senior engineer at the Beijing Wildlife Rescue Center, said: "We worry about 'urban diseases' in the city resulting from the fragmentation of wild animal habitats. However, in ecology, there is the so-called edge effect－the possibility that wild creatures may embrace more biodiversity in two or more habitats."

He said that last year, the center treated and rescued 10 species of wild animals for the first time, including the relict gull and velvet scoter, which are rarely found in areas surrounding Beijing.

Sun Quanhui, a scientist with the World Animal Protection Association, said that in other cities such as New York and London, humans are also living in harmony with wild animals.

In October 2019, the nonprofit animal welfare organization launched a campaign calling for people to be kind to animals.

Sun advised government agencies in Beijing to step up coordination work and make more efforts to ensure people comply with local wildlife protection regulations. Information about enforcement of the regulations should be made public regularly, he said.

Fang, the bird watcher in Yanqing, is still thrilled when a new migratory bird species arrives at Wild Duck Lake for the first time.

Observing migratory birds is a lonely job, with the watchers spending most of the day walking around the lake.

"I am really excited when I catch sight of a new species, and hope to share my enthusiasm with more people in the near future," Fang said.