A photographer has recently captured stunning images of diverse wildlife thriving in the local wetlands of Qilian County in northwest China's Qinghai Province, showcasing a beautiful tapestry of ecological harmony with state-protected animals freely roaming the grasslands.
The footage featured large herds of Tibetan wild asses, a first-class protected species in China, leisurely prancing on the grasslands at the foot of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains. These high-spirited wild asses have been frequently spotted in the region in recent years, boasting a substantial population.
Tibetan wild asses in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, northwest China, October 30, 2023. /CFP
Adding to the spectacle, majestic black-necked cranes, a species under the first-class state protection in the country, were captured gracefully foraging in the area. This region provides ample food resources and a safe nesting environment for the cranes, attracting them to return to the wetlands each summer to breed and raise their young.
The latest data reveals that since Qinghai initiated population surveys and migration tracking studies on black-necked cranes. The population within the province has increased by more than 1,400 individuals over the past decade, reaching over 2,600 today.
On the lush green grasslands along the meandering Heihe River, ruddy shelducks, a waterfowl under the second-class state protection in China, can be seen coexisting peacefully with domesticated yaks. The ruddy shelduck is known for its selective choice of habitat, favoring wetlands or other aquatic environments with clear waters and abundant food sources.
(Cover: A black-necked crane in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, northwest China, April 12, 2024. /CFP