China's population of the Baer's Pochard, a critically endangered diving duck, has more than doubled to 2,555, up from roughly 1,000 in 2012, according to a nationwide wintering survey released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Thursday.

The study, the first to fully map the status of the species, identifies 16 key habitats and offers critical insights for conservation.

Designated as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, and currently under China's top-level State protection, the Baer's Pochard was once widespread across East Asia but saw a dramatic decline in the 20th century due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, according to the administration.

Today, over 80 percent of its global population winters in China, with only sporadic sightings reported elsewhere.

The survey covered 212 wintering sites across 21 provincial-level regions, revealing that 83.6 percent of the ducks cluster in 16 habitats, with each hosting over 30 ducks. Lakes accounted for 71.51 percent of their habitats, followed by rivers and reservoirs.

Intriguingly, the species showed a preference for small, abandoned vegetation-rich fish ponds and medium-sized lakes. This challenges previous assumptions about their habitat choices and underscores the need for tailored habitat management, according to the administration.

Authorities attributed the recovery to intensified safeguards under national plans such as the National Bird Migration Corridor Protection Action Plan (2021-2035) and the China Action Plan for Migratory Bird Flyway Conservation (2024-2030).

Experts said that enhanced habitat restoration, scientific monitoring and public engagement have also played pivotal roles.

The administration has vowed to expand monitoring systems and prioritize protection for core habitats. By addressing threats such as wetland degradation, the administration said it believes that the ducks will not only survive but thrive in the country.

The landmark survey, conducted by 57 institutions, marks a milestone in China's biodiversity governance.