Changning's urban biodiversity shines in observational documentary

On the evening of May 20 at 10pm, the premiere of” My Urban Neighbors”aired nationwide. This groundbreaking observational program, co-produced by the Shanghai Bureau of Ecology and Environment and Shanghai Media Group, focuses on urban biodiversity conservation. The episode featured three notable locations in Changning District: Changxin Habitat Garden, New Hongqiao Central Park, and Shanghai Zoo.

The documentary follows actor Chen Long as he explores urban parks alongside nature enthusiasts and biodiversity experts. Through captivating footage, the program showcases fluttering birds in city greenspaces, nocturnal creatures active under moonlight, resilient moss thriving in brick crevices, and hidden insect kingdoms beneath fallen leaves.

New Hongqiao Central Park, located in Shanghai's Hongqiao Economic Development Zone, spans about 130,000 square meters, with a central lake covering 10,000 square meters. This urban oasis serves as a vital habitat for numerous species. Surveys have identified 19 species of moss, 208 species of vascular plants, nine species of macrofungi, 57 insect species, three mammal species,

29 bird species, and two amphibian and reptile species.

At Shanghai Zoo, scientists have discovered unique insect species within the forest's humus layer. By preserving native vegetation and organic matter, the zoo maintains crucial microhabitats that support rare insects and other wildlife.

In the southwest corner of Jinhong Residential Community near Lujiabang River, an abandoned pump station had become an undisturbed refuge for local birds. Through community discussions, residents transformed the space intoChan gxin Habitat Garden, which balances ecological preservation with public recreation.

The garden features native plants like calamus and irises restoring the original ecosystem, trees such as paper mulberry and Chinese tallow and Shanghai's first dedicated birdwatching platform in a habit garden, allowing children to observe species like the light-vented bulbul and Daurian redstart.

This initiative demonstrates how urban spaces can harmoniously coexist with nature while fostering public engagement in biodiversity conservation.