Rare bird, orchid and seabird recorded in Dapeng

A fairy pitta is seen in an infrared camera footage. Photo courtesy of the researchers

A recent biodiversity survey in Dapeng New Area has recorded the first infrared camera footage of the fairy pitta, a nationally protected species, along with the discovery of a rare orchid and a new seabird record for the city, researchers said.

Survey staff identified clear images of the fairy pitta, a small, brightly colored bird listed as a second-class nationally protected species and considered vulnerable globally. The bird, typically elusive and habitat-sensitive, was observed foraging on the forest floor during migration.

Researchers also documented the presence of Paphiopedilum purpuratum, a first-class nationally protected wild plant species.

Paphiopedilum purpuratum. Photo courtesy of Wang Faguo

In a separate finding, three pomarine jaegers were spotted about 50 kilometers off the southern coast of the Dapeng Peninsula. Experts confirmed the seabirds as a new record for Shenzhen. The migratory species, which breeds in Arctic regions and winters in tropical seas, is rarely seen in nearshore waters.

Researchers said the sightings indicate healthy local ecosystems and provide valuable data for biodiversity conservation and marine ornithology.

A pomarine jaeger. Photo courtesy of Huang Qin