A scientific project monitoring wetland birds, launched in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is the first of its kind in the country, said a source with the National Forestry Bureau Thursday.

With an investment of 2.72 million yuan (US$332,000) in Ulan Suhai Lake, the project will set up monitoring laboratories and stations for observing birds, local weather, water and environment.

Ulan Suhai Lake, at 600 square km, is one of the eight largest freshwater lakes in China and the largest wetland of that latitude in the world. About 185 species of bird live in the area, 36 of which are listed under the state protection list.

The lake will turned into a national demonstration zone for scientific studies of wetland, birds and ecological protection, the ornithologist said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2003)