Recently, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Research Department received an application form for the establishment of the CBCGDF Community Conservation Area for sand martin at Qin River (CCAfa) from Han Xiangbing, a volunteer of CBCGDF in Qinyang, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province. It is hoped that a protected area for sand martin will be established in the tidal flat of the Qinhe (River) in order to better protect this species.

The sand martin (Riparia riparia) or European sand martin, bank swallow in the Americas, and collared sand martin in India, is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. It has a wide range in summer, embracing practically the whole of Europe and the Mediterranean countries and across the Palearctic to the Pacific Ocean. It is a Holarctic species also found in North America. It winters in eastern and southern Africa, South America, and the Indian Subcontinent.

The pale martin of northern India and southeastern China is now usually split as a separate species Riparia diluta. It has paler grey-brown upperparts and a less distinct breast band. It winters in Pakistan and southern India.

Linnaeus already remarked on this species’ breeding habits: Habitat in Europae collibus arenosis abruptis, foramine serpentino—"it lives in Europe, in winding holes in sheer sandy hills". It has been observed that sand martins favor loess as a particular type of ground to nest in. Sand martins are generally found near larger bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes or even the ocean, throughout the year.

They specialize in feeding on mosquitoes flying in the air and are especially good at catching low-flying insects close to the ground and water. Sand martin can protect crops, reduce pest infestation, and maintain human food security. A sand martin can wipe out tens of thousands of pests during reproduction.

According to local volunteers, the only ideal habitat for sand martin in Qin River is located along the west bank of the intersection within the channel of the Dan River, a tributary of the Qin River. There are about 1,000 nests, and there are geese breeding under the nests. In addition, in recent years, the sand on the tidal flat of Qin River has been stolen by people at night, which has caused the instability of the shore foundation and the potential for collapse. Therefore, these artificial actions have seriously endangered the survival of sand martins, and the establishment of a CCA for sand martin is extremely urgent.

In order to better protect the sand martin, CBCGDF will seriously review the application, and is willing to work with local volunteers to explore and study a reasonable and effective method to protect the sand martin. Besides, with the help of CBCGDF various platforms, it promotes and raises the public's awareness of loving birds and protecting birds and fulfills its due responsibilities to protect sand martin and protect biodiversity.

(Photo credit: CBCGDF volunteers)

Original Chinese article:

http://www.ccafa.org/NewsShow/4899/12495.html

By / Mingmei Modified / Maggie