At the end of the Yellow River lies a 153,000-hectare habitat, home to 1,633 wildlife species — a place where the story of life unfolds daily.

The challenge lies in restoring and protecting this vast and fragile environment.

In 2021, the Yellow River Delta Ecological Monitoring Center was established, providing "smart eyes" for the habitat.

Collaboration with universities and research institutions has allowed the center to maintain an advanced think tank.

Through remote sensing, big data, and the Internet of Things, the center has set up over 200 video surveillance points, three automated drone patrol systems, and 18 AI bird monitoring systems.

This technology enables real-time tracking of rare bird distributions and migrations, allowing for pinpointing locations and real-time registration for these species.

On land, the monitoring center has established a robust presence as well. Zhao Yajie, deputy director of the center, explained that the 35 5G network stations within the protected area provide full coverage. Nine wetland ecosystem observation stations monitor hydrological, soil, and meteorological data in real time, providing a comprehensive overview of the ecosystem's health.

Recent data shows that the reserve now hosts 374 bird species, including 26 nationally protected ones, with 38 waterfowl populations representing one percent of the global total. Each year, millions of birds breed and thrive here, earning it the title of the "international airport for birds".

Groups of migratory birds arrive at the Yellow River Delta for the winter. [Photo/IC Photo]