Volunteers place models of the Chinese crested tern at an artificial attraction spot on Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. Simuyu, a rarely-visited island in Fujian, is an important habitat for the Chinese crested tern. Known as the "bird of legend," the species is under national first-class protection in China and listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
To save the endangered species and boost its population, Fujian's ecological authorities have launched a special project for the Chinese crested terns on uninhabited islands, where staff members optimize habitat conditions and stimulate natural living settings to attract the terns for nesting and breeding.
From April to August, the migration and breeding season for the Chinese crested terns, dedicated volunteers join in the regular artificial attraction and monitoring work on Simuyu Island despite harsh conditions. The team includes graduates in ecology and animal science, forestry workers, and experienced birdwatchers.
Nowadays, solar-powered high-definition cameras enable a 24/7 real-time monitoring of the island. Staff members can observe and record the condition of the Chinese crested terns as well as the ecology environment via mobile phones and computers, providing vital data to support scientific research and population recovery. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
This photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows a view of Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Volunteers grasp a rope to climb up to an artificial attraction spot on Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Volunteers arrive on Simuyu Island for the artificial attraction and monitoring work of the Chinese crested terns in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Volunteers check solar-powered high-definition cameras installed on Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Volunteers place models of the Chinese crested tern at an artificial attraction spot on Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
An aerial drone photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows a view of Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
An aerial drone photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows volunteers taking a boat heading for Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
An aerial drone photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows a view of Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
A Chinese crested tern is pictured above a beach in Changle District of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Volunteers pose for photos after daily artificial attraction work of the Chinese crested terns on Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, May 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
A drone photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows volunteers taking a boat heading for Simuyu Island in Lianjiang County of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
