Lashihai Wetland. 07/12/04; Yunnan; 3560 ha; 26º53'52'' N 100º08'6'' E. Provincial Nature Reserve. A unique plateau freshwater lake with marsh meadows, located between 2,440 and 3,100 meters above sea level at the headwaters of the Yangtze River in the Hengduan Mountains. The critically endangered White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni and Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri can be found at the site. It is an important migration passage, breeding ground and wintering habitat of nearly 76 species of wild geese and ducks and in total more than 100,000 waterbirds visit the site each year. The water outlet of the lake is connected to the Jinsha River with major hydrological functions of flood control, storage and water balance in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It also supplies drinking water to Lijian City, a famous World Heritage cultural property. As a biodiversity 'hotspot', Lashihai attracts 5000 tourists daily particularly for birdwatching; major protection measures include a ban on fishing, poaching and hunting. With the support of The Nature Conservancy, research on aquatic plants, amphibian and reptiles was carried out between 2005 and 2006. Ramsar Site No. 1437. Most recent RIS information: 2012