Shanxi wetland joins coveted national list

The Fenhe River Wetland in Hongtong county, North China's Shanxi province, has been included in the latest list of 29 national important wetlands issued by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. 

Covering a total area of 640.70 hectares, the wetland primarily protects the ecosystem and habitats of rare wildlife. It is home to 555 species of wild vascular plants and 164 species of wild vertebrates. 

It also ranks as the first wetland in Shanxi to be included in this coveted list. 

Currently, there are two natural reserves and 63 wetland parks in Shanxi, including one national important wetland and 10 provincial-level important wetlands. 

In recent years, the province has made efforts to protect 22,120 hectares of wetland through increased legislation.