A Hainan night heron. [Photo/Tide News]

Jiulongshan National Nature Reserve in Lishui's Suichang county, Zhejiang province, recorded its first-ever sighting of the Hainan night heron, a first-class nationally protected wild animal known as the "world's most mysterious bird".

This critically endangered species has set a new bird record for the reserve and serves as strong evidence of improving local ecology, providing natural testimony to the area's enhanced environmental quality.

The Hainan night heron inhabits regions south of the Yangtze River. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as endangered with a global population of about 1,500.

As a nocturnal, secretive bird, it demands pristine habitats — clear water and no human disturbance in dense mountain forests — making it a living indicator of environmental health.

The heron's visit is a testament to the reserve's healthy natural environment. With 98.8 percent forest coverage, the reserve is a key gene bank in East China, providing ideal habitats for a variety of rare wildlife.

To date, the nature reserve hosts 2,608 known wild animal species, including 12 first-class and 62 second-class nationally protected animals. Its dense vegetation and clean water sources offer prime conditions for breeding and stopover.

The reserve will strengthen protection measures such as patrols and public education to further optimize the habitat, promote harmony between humans and nature, and allow more rare species to thrive in the area.