In a remarkable feat of patience and dedication, a photography enthusiast in Huaiyuan, Guangdong, captured the elusive and stunning Blue-throated Bee-eater, often hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Bird". The week-long pursuit finally paid off in the scenic village of Yangmei, located within the Wanlv Lake Scenic Area.

According to Wen Zhijun, the director of the Heyuan Wildlife Conservation and Management Office, the Blue-throated Bee-eater, a second-class protected species in China, showcases an awe-inspiring appearance with a body length ranging from 26 to 28 centimeters. It is a bird with blue, green and brown plumage, recognizable by its bright blue throat, chestnut head and back, and black eye stripe. Revered for its breathtaking beauty and significant research value, it has accordingly earned the title of "China's Most Beautiful Bird".

Wanlv Lake boasts an impressive biodiversity, currently hosting over 1,000 species of flora and fauna. Among the notable finds are rare and endangered animals such as peach blossom jellyfish, softshell turtles, water deer, and Chinese Merganser. The region is also home to three first-class protected plants in the nation: dawn redwood, Mussaenda anomala Li, and tree ferns, along with seven second-class protected plants, including woolly ferns, water ferns, brainea insignis, flying spider-monkey tree ferns, Ormosia henryi Prain, Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang, and Magnolia officinalis var. biloba Rehder&E.H.Wilson.

With 43 species of key protected wildlife, including six first-class and 37 second-class protected animals, the region underscores its commitment to conservation and preservation. Notably, 34 of these species are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The ecological environment of Wanlv Lake Scenic Area thrives with rich natural resources, where the harmonious blend of forest landscapes and lake views is a treat to behold. The region meets national first-class standards for air quality and surface water, demonstrating its dedication to maintaining a pristine ecosystem. The area boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the wetland ecosystem remains unspoiled.

Since its inception as a tourist destination, Wanlv Lake Scenic Area has steadfastly adhered to the principles of "achieving ecological tourism by putting environmental protection first, planning in a sound manner, and strengthening management". With moderate development and responsible utilization, the region is setting an example of sustainable development that balances environmental protection and tourism promotion.

Dongyuan County, acclaimed as a pioneering innovation base for the belief "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", proudly hosts four national-level nature reserves and two provincial-level nature reserves. It stands as the only county in the country with two national forest parks and two national wetland parks. Today, the mountains, waters, and surroundings of the county serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, with protected animals like pangolins, small Indian civets, flying spider-monkey tree fern and more finding a permanent residence by the lakeside, presenting a beautiful tapestry of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

“中国最美小鸟”蓝喉蜂虎现身广东河源万绿湖

近日，河源一位摄影爱好者经过一周的跟踪拍摄，在地处河源万绿湖风景区的东源县杨梅村，拍摄到有“中国最美小鸟”之称的蓝喉蜂虎。

据河源市野生动植物保护管理办公室主任温志军介绍，蓝喉蜂虎是国家二级保护动物，体长26至28厘米，栗色“后背头”，黑色眼线，蓝色高领遮喉，着一袭孔雀蓝绿的“燕尾服”，极具观赏与科研价值，被誉为“中国最美小鸟”。

据了解，万绿湖目前已发现有1000多种动植物，其中有桃花水母、鼋、水鹿、中华秋沙鸭等珍稀濒危动物；有水杉、异形玉叶金花和苏铁等3种国家一级保护植物；有金毛狗、水蕨、苏铁蕨、桫椤、花榈木、半枫荷和凹叶厚朴等7种国家二级保护植物。国家重点保护野生动物43种，其中国家一级重点保护动物6种，国家二级重点保护动物37种，其中有34种野生动物被列入《濒危野生动物国际贸易公约》。

万绿湖风景区生态环境良好，自然资源丰富，森林景观与湖面景观和谐统一，湖区空气质量达到国家一级标准，水质达到国家地表水一类标准，生物丰富且多样，湿地生态系统保存完好。自开发旅游以来，万绿湖风景区始终坚持“环保至上，科学规划，强化管理，生态旅游”的原则，适度开发、合理利用，走环保与旅游互相作用、共同发展的可持续发展道路。

东源县是全国首批“绿水青山就是金山银山”实践创新基地，有4个国家级自然保护地、2个省级自然保护地，是全国唯一一个拥有两个国家级森林公园和两个国家级湿地公园的县。如今东源的山山水水已成为野生动植物的家园，如穿山甲、小灵猫、桫椤、半枫荷等保护动物都是湖畔周围的常驻“居民”，展现一幅人与自然和谐共生的美丽画卷。

文、图｜羊城晚报全媒体记者 吴奕镇 通讯员 陈振敏
翻译｜刘佳慧
责编 | 王楠
校对 | 桂晴