万里远行，是“驿站”也是家园

Core Insights - Xinjiang serves as a crucial intersection for migratory bird routes, with three out of four major migratory pathways in China linked to the region, facilitating the movement of over one million birds from approximately 300 species [1] Group 1: Migratory Routes and Bird Species - The West Asia-East Africa migratory route covers a significant portion of Xinjiang, with birds gathering along major water systems such as the Ili River and the Ertix River, waiting for favorable conditions to migrate south [1] - Various ecosystems in Xinjiang, including forests, lakes, grasslands, and mountains, provide essential shelter and energy for migratory birds during their long wait [1] Group 2: Conservation Efforts - Collaborative efforts between military and local authorities have led to the establishment of 28 nature reserves at the autonomous region level, covering over 199,800 square kilometers, along with four provincial-level reserves totaling approximately 1,003 square kilometers [2] - Measures such as wetland restoration, habitat recovery, and ecological water replenishment have been implemented to expand wetland areas and support bird populations [2] Group 3: Ecological Health Indicators - Migratory patterns and habitat choices of birds serve as indicators of ecological health, reflecting the success of large-scale conservation and restoration efforts in Xinjiang [3] - Over the past decade, more than 30 new bird species have been recorded in Xinjiang, contributing to a total of over 490 bird species in the region, which represents about one-third of the total bird species in China [3]