Government measures to protect wildlife

15:14, June 30, 2013

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Qiangtang National Nature Reserve lies in the northern Tibetan Plateau. It is the highest nature reserve in the world, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Tibetan antelope.

Since its establishment, the number of Tibetan antelope and other protected species have risen steadily. Our reporter Wu Lei visited the reserve and found out what work has been undertaken to protect these endangered animals.

Tibetan antelope are often called the fairies of the plateau, they mainly live in high altitudes, between 4000 to 6000 meters above sea level. The air is thin and plant life sparse. But for the Tibetan antelope, it’s a paradise.

Wu Lei said, "Many people know of the Tibetan antelope at the Hoh Xil nature reserve in Qinghai province, but experts say over 70% of the Tibetan antelope population are to be found here at Changtang national nature reserve. This is the second largest nature reserve in the world and home to many endangered species. "

Living in one of the most remote and isolated places in the world, these animals have adapted to its harsh environment. The Tibetan antelope population came close to extinction, dropping to below 10 thousand in number. After years of efforts to build the numbers back up, the population has been brought back from the brink.

Zongga, vice director of Tibet Forest Bureau, said, "Before the establishment of the nature reserve, there were only 50 to 70,000 of antelopes in Tibet. Now the number has risen to nearly 200,000."

Besides Tibetan antelope, many other mammals can be found here too, including Tibetan wild yaks, wild donkeys, and hundreds of species of birds. In order to protect these endangered animals and birds from illegal hunters and other dangers, the nature reserve currently has 200 conservationists. Each patrol an area covering thousands of square kilometers.

Zongga said, "The biggest existing problem is we lack the technology to monitor and supervise. The extensive management of this nature reserve is not effective enough."

All of these animals play a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem of the Tibetan plateau. It’s hoped conservationists will help raise awareness among local communities of effective methods to preserve the natural environment and wildlife. Sometimes the most difficult task in protecting this land is not keeping poachers out, but building overall awareness of the need to protect the environment and the natural habitat of these beautiful creatures.

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（Editor：HuangJin、Liang Jun）