Wildlife conservation personnel have recently discovered new-born black storks in multiple nesting sites across Beijing, with the local black stork population now stabilized at around 100 - a significant increase from just 50 to 60 individuals a few years ago.
Black storks are an endangered species under China's first-class protection. Fewer than 3,000 remain worldwide, with approximately 1,000 living in China.
The hatching season for black storks is from April to July. So far this year, conservationists in Beijing have identified and numbered 14 nests for close monitoring and protection of the birds.
"There are 12 wild black stork nests in the Fangshan District alone. We are currently observing the nest number 12. It's interesting that the parent storks have relocated twice, but remaining on this mountain. We've been closely monitoring their two chicks in recent days, and we're thrilled to have seen the appearance of a third. There are many goods news, like at the nest number 3, for instance, four chicks have been successfully hatched and survived this year," said Li Li, a council member of the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
From late June to August, these chicks are expected to develop the ability to fly and forage independently. They will then leave the nest and begin their juvenile stage of life.
Black storks typically feed in clear rivers, relying on small fish, shrimp, loaches, frogs, small snakes, and lizards for nourishment.
"The black stork is a flagship species and a key ecological indicator of water quality. The birth of three, four, or even five chicks in a single nest demonstrates a steady improvement in the local ecological environment year by year," said Li.
New black stork chicks spotted in Beijing, signaling steady population growth
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
