The appearance of two black-necked cranes around the Lugu Lake area in southwest China's Yunnan Province on November 3 has surprised many as this is the first time to see the bird roaming in the area since they were last seen in 2004, according to Lugu Lake Provincial Nature Reserve.

The black-necked crane is the only crane in the world that grows and breeds on the plateau. It is also the latest crane species found in the world. The bird is endemic to China and under first-class national protection in the country. 

A great number of cranes were seen wintering in the lake area in the 1980s until 2004 when only five birds were spotted for the last time.

Now, the management of the nature reserve will step up efforts to monitor and protect the black-necked cranes, restrict human interference, and preserve their habitats.

(Photos and partial content are provided by Li Lianxiang and Li Zhongxin from Lugu Lake Provincial Nature Reserve.)

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