Safeguarding Birds and Power Lines to Protect the Winter Home of the Scaly-sided Merganser

As the 56th World Earth Day approaches, Scaly-sided Merganser—a nationally protected Class I wildlife species in China—receives extra care in its winter habitat. To help safeguard this rare bird, the State Grid Wenzhou Power Supply Company has introduced a series of ecological protection measures. Adhering to three key principles—causing no habitat damage, avoiding disturbance to foraging, and eliminating safety risks—the company is working to ensure both reliable power supply and effective biodiversity conservation.

Often called the "giant panda among birds", the Scaly-sided Merganser is a globally endangered waterfowl and an important indicator of water quality. It requires exceptionally pristine wintering conditions, including clear water, minimal human disturbance, and well-connected aquatic ecosystems. Waters within the service area of Shatou Power Supply Station in Wenzhou provide one of its important natural winter habitats. To minimize the impact of grid operation and maintenance on local wildlife, the company has fully integrated biodiversity protection into its routine power line inspections.

During daily patrols, frontline workers have taken on an additional role as ecological stewards. Patrol frequency has been increased in key bird habitats along transmission lines, with a focus on identifying line safety hazards, risks of pole or tower collapse, and potential ecological disturbances. At the same time, public awareness campaigns on both Scaly-sided Merganser conservation and power facility protection are being carried out, encouraging local residents to help protect both the rare migratory birds and the power grid.

Recently, to support the temporary rescue station for injured or distressed Scaly-sided Mergansers, the company opened a fast-track service for electricity meter installation and equipped the station with monitoring systems. These upgrades enable 24-hour management, real-time nighttime ecological monitoring, and complete documentation of bird rescue operations.

Looking ahead, the State Grid Wenzhou Power Supply Company will continue advancing its "Power + Ecology" conservation model, further refining patrol and maintenance plans during the migratory bird wintering season. Through smarter, greener, and more precise protection measures, the company aims to promote harmonious coexistence between a resilient power grid and rare migratory birds, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological progress across East Asia.

(Zhou Yong, Yu Chenchen)