High-altitude breakthroughs: Wildlife revival reshapes Xizang

Rare wildlife sightings and seasonal migrations are offering fresh signs of ecological recovery across southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, where long-term conservation projects and habitat protection efforts continue reshaping the fragile plateau ecosystem.

In April, staff at the Cibagou National Nature Reserve in Zayu County, Nyingchi, identified infrared camera footage of a marbled cat in the wild, marking the first confirmed record of the elusive species in the reserve since its establishment in 1985.

The marbled cat, a second-class protected species in China, is a forest-dependent carnivore known for its nocturnal and tree-dwelling habits, making sightings extremely rare. Reserve authorities said the discovery reflects a well-preserved forest ecosystem with stable biodiversity and high environmental quality.

The finding is part of broader efforts to strengthen ecological monitoring across the plateau. Since 2023, Nagqu City in northern Xizang has been developing an intelligent monitoring network integrating satellites, drones and ground sensors for real-time tracking of wildlife, glaciers, rivers and wetlands in the Tangbei area of Sanjiangyuan National Park, as well as the Silingtso and Changtang nature reserves.

So far, 14 monitoring stations have been established in high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters, while artificial intelligence technologies are being used to improve wildlife identification accuracy. Thousands of ecological rangers also participate in daily conservation work across the plateau.

Official statistics show Xizang has established 47 nature reserves covering more than 412,000 square kilometers. From 2016 to 2024, the region created an average of 516,000 eco-environment-related jobs annually through ecological protection and compensation programs.

Meanwhile, the annual migration of Tibetan antelopes is once again underway on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Earlier this month, the first group of 158 female Tibetan antelopes began traveling toward the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve for the calving season.

The migration, which runs from May to July each year, is regarded as one of the world's most remarkable wildlife movements. Strengthened anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection and traffic controls along migration routes have helped the Tibetan antelope population in Hoh Xil recover from fewer than 20,000 in the 1980s to more than 70,000 today.

Ecological improvements are also becoming visible in local landscapes. This spring, peach blossoms once again covered valleys in Nyingchi, drawing visitors to the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon area and supporting the development of eco-tourism.

Researchers and officials say the growing number of wildlife records and expanding ecological restoration projects reflect the results of long-term conservation efforts on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

As China advances ecological civilization and the Beautiful China initiative, Xizang's high-altitude ecosystems are becoming an increasingly important example of balancing environmental protection with sustainable development.

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