| Lashihai Wetland | |
|---|---|
| Lashi Lake | |
.jpg) | |
  location of Lashihai Wetland in Yunnan Province | |
| Location | Yunnan Province, China |
| Coordinates | 26°53′N100°08′E / 26.883°N 100.133°E /26.883; 100.133[1] |
| Area | 3,560 ha (13.7 sq mi) |
| Designation | Provincial Nature Reserve |
| Designated | 2004 Ramsar wetland |
| Official name | Lashihai Wetland |
| Designated | 12 July 2004 |
| Reference no. | 1437[1] |
Lashihai Wetland is a system of freshwater lakes and wetlands inYunnan Province of south-central China. It is located in theHengduan Mountains between 2,440 and 3,100 meters elevation. It includes Lashihai lake and its surrounding wetlands, as well as Wenhai lake to the north and Jizi Reservoir to the south. The wetlands drain into theJinsha River, an upper basin tributary of theYangtze.[1][2]
The lakes and wetlands provide drinking water to the city ofLijiang, and provide flood control, water storage, and water balance to the middle and lower basin of the Yangtze, which is home to hundreds of millions of people.[1]
The wetlands are important habitat for resident and migratorywaterbirds. More than 100,000 waterbirds visit each year, and use the lake as a migratory stop-over, breeding ground, and/or wintering habitat. 76 species of geese and ducks have been observed here, and it is habitat for the critically endangeredwhite-shouldered ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) andBaer's pochard (Aythya baeri).[1]
The lake was designated aRamsar site (wetland of international importance) in 2004, and is also designated a provincial nature reserve. The protected area covers 35.6 km2.[3] Fishing, poaching and hunting have been banned to protect the lake's wildlife. It attracts 5000 visitors daily, particularly for birdwatching.[1]
