Preface

The Chinese Merganser, described as the living fossil of birds, is well-known as a national treasure along with the panda and the golden monkey. The number of existing Chinese Mergansers is less than 1,000, making it a rare and endangered species.

Mr. Jin Jihao, who is keen to protect the eco-system and endangered birds, uses his camera lens to unveil the mysterious life of the Chinese Merganser. His work has fully recorded the whole process of Chinese Merganser's breeding and habitat at Toudaobai River on Changbai Mountain.

With the bird's living status vividly captured, his work impresses readers with a strong visual expression. Mr. Jin wishes that, through the personification of the Chinese Merganser, such as showing its living status and habits, the process of growth and capturing its emotions, people can start to know and like this precious creature and eventually contribute to protecting it. He would like to show people how important the living environment is for birds, thereby encouraging people to become aware of their responsibilities for improving the environment.

Chinese Mergansers choose Changbai Mountain as their habitat. It is a precious gift from Mother Nature to Jilin's people, but it also means responsibility for us. According to modern ecological ethics theories, we must treat birds well, respect nature and protect the family of both human beings and birds to reach a harmonious coexistence and common prosperity.

I hope the Chinese Merganser enjoys a better life in Jilin. Personally, I look forward to the future with confidence.

Wang Rulin

2012, August

（Governor of People's Government of Jilin Province）