Three national Level-1 protected animal species, namely the small Indian civet, white-bellied sea eagle, and yellow-breasted bunting, were detected in Dapeng New District during a recent biodiversity investigation.

Each of these species represents different habitats — forests, oceans, and agricultural fields, respectively.

The small Indian civets, captured on infrared cameras in various locations across Dapeng Peninsula, indicate a growing population in the area, leading to their inclusion in the Level-1 national protected wild animals list in 2021.

The investigation estimates the presence of at least one or two pairs of white-bellied sea eagles residing in Daya Bay. These impressive birds are among the largest and most formidable animals in Shenzhen, measuring up to 85 centimeters with a wingspan of 2.2 meters.

Yellow-breasted buntings, which typically migrate from Siberia to Southeast Asia for the winter, traverse through Guangdong during spring and fall. These birds feed on foods found in agricultural fields, underscoring the unique ecological significance they bring to these environments.

Additionally, during the survey, three new species were identified in Dapeng: Queensland pittosporum, a plant thriving in valleys and forests, brown noddy, a bird species that primarily feeds on oceanic fish and mollusks — marking its initial detection in Shenzhen and Guangdong, and Swinhoe’s storm petrel, another bird species.

With 56 species of wild animals and plants now recorded on the national protection list in Dapeng, four at Level 1 and 52 at Level 2, this region stands as a crucial habitat supporting diverse and endangered species.

These recent discoveries not only underscore the rich biodiversity of Dapeng but also emphasize the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these unique ecosystems and the species they support.