A rare Oriental white stork — known colloquially as the panda bird — was spotted in the wetlands of Hanwang town in Longnan, Gansu province.

An enthusiast from the Longnan Bird Photography Association captured the presence of the first-class protected species in what is believed to be the first sighting of an Oriental white stork in Longnan.

An endangered Oriental white stork was spotted in the wetlands of Hanwang town in Longnan, Gansu province. [Photo by Zhang Yong'an/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The bird is a large member of the stork family Ciconiidae and the order Ciconiiformes. It cuts an elegant figure with its long, scarlet legs and feet, strong black beak, pure white body feathers and brilliant green or purple wings.

It is classified as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. China extended protection in 1989.

An endangered Oriental white stork was spotted in the wetlands of Hanwang town in Longnan, Gansu province. [Photo by Zhang Yong'an/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, Longnan, particularly in its Wudu district, has seen the frequent appearances of bird species on the Red List — especially those that have rigorous habitat requirements, such as the crested ibis and the Oriental white stork.

Their appearances showcase the achievements of Longnan in bolstering biodiversity — actively engaging in the protection of wild animals and plants and the restoration of their habitats.

Lu Ziyan contributed to this story.

An endangered Oriental white stork was spotted in the wetlands of Hanwang town in Longnan, Gansu province. [Photo by Zhang Yong'an/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An endangered Oriental white stork was spotted in the wetlands of Hanwang town in Longnan, Gansu province. [Photo by Zhang Yong'an/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]