"More importantly, the deer are not just passing through — they are staying here to feed and rest," he told local media. "Some have already shown signs of long-term habitation."

Milu deer are considered an indicator species for wetland health as they require abundant food, clean water, and minimal human disturbance. Their return suggests the wetland ecosystem is improving. In recent years, authorities have implemented large-scale ecological restoration projects in the area, including converting fish farms and forests back to wetlands and restoring degraded habitats.

"We focus on natural recovery as the main approach, supplemented by artificial restoration," Xie Xuegeng, deputy head of the reserve's Yuanjiang administration, said. So far, around 10,000 hectares of wetlands have been restored.