This year, more than 3,000 swan cygnets have hatched in the Bayanbulak Grassland National Nature Reserve at the foot of Tianshan Mountains in northwest China, according to recent data collected by the reserve officials.

Bayanbulak means "abundant spring" in Mongolian. The reserve is the second largest grassland in China and the highest-altitude breeding ground for swans in the world.

Ang Qin, a local wildlife ranger said that every year, they would step up patrols in May as the swans enter their annual mating period. And this year, they have noticed an increase in the number of young swans.

"During our patrol this year, we found that a brood could contain about seven cygnets at best, but sometimes there would only be one or two in a nest," said Ang.

To make sure these young, fluffy swan babies survive and grow up healthy, the rangers have been keeping a close eye on them to make sure they do not get hurt by extreme weather conditions, or are not snatched away by raptors like golden eagles and hawks.

"The swans usually start heading to the south from late September or October, and if we find cygnets born late or are not able to fly yet, we would take them to the watchtower rescue center and raise them. In the next year after the young swans learn how to fly, we would release them back into nature," said Ang.

Data shows that Bayanbulak Grassland National Nature Reserve has healed and saved over 200 swans since 1990. To provide a better environment for the swans, residents were relocated from the core areas of the reserve in 2014. Local authorities have also issued a ban on herding in relevant areas.

This year, the number of swans that inhabit the area has climbed from 8,000 five years ago to roughly 11,000.

(Cover: VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)