SHENZHEN is taking impressive steps to make its urban landscape more bird-friendly.

As part of this endeavor, the city has introduced specially designed stickers on glass building façades to prevent bird collisions, and it has also implemented nighttime light restrictions to ensure a more tranquil environment for its avian inhabitants.

Tencent, a prominent tech giant in the city, has taken a pioneering role in tackling the pressing issue of bird collisions. In a commendable move, the company has pasted wave-point stickers to the glass exterior of its Binhai Building in Nanshan District. The initiative serves to prevent birds from accidentally colliding with the building.

After a monthlong investigation, Tencent employees discovered that this specific glass façade had experienced five bird collisions, tragically resulting in the death of six birds in a short period. In response to this concerning issue, Tencent collaborated with the Shenzhen Mangrove Wetlands Conservation Foundation to develop preventive measures against bird collisions.

Experts have emphasized that birds often struggle to recognize glass surfaces as obstacles, leading to these unfortunate collisions. To mitigate such incidents, specialists recommended using stickers adorned with wave-point patterns. Each point should have a diameter of less than 1 centimeter and be spaced no more than 5 x 5 centimeters apart. These patterns make it easier for birds to identify and avoid glass surfaces.

To encourage more businesses to take similar actions in bird collision prevention, Tencent has made available a toolkit via the “观鸟君” WeChat miniprogram. The toolkit includes anti-bird collision designs, relevant parameters, and manufacturing processes for reference. The miniprogram also provides information for citizens who come across injured birds, guiding them on rescue methods or helping them contact a rescue team.

As October ushers in the peak season for migratory birds to make their winter stop in Shenzhen, the city’s coastal areas have become a hub for numerous bird species. Shenzhen’s initiative to switch off lights at night has garnered praise from netizens and conservationists alike.

Shenzhen Evening News reported that most coastal parks in the city remain open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will turn off the lights after closing hours to provide a peaceful environment for rest.

Experts have noted that birds typically sleep for around eight hours, with their sleep cycle beginning around 8 p.m. “Turning off the park lights during the night helps create a favorable environment for birds and other wildlife,” Ma Haipeng, a nature education lecturer, said. “Reducing light pollution and its impact on wildlife has become an international consensus.”

(Chen Siqi)