Nature
11:12, 03-Jan-2019
Qinghai lake sees its most successful conservation of naked carp
Updated
10:15, 06-Jan-2019
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36 years on since the launch of a series of protection measures, saving the Qinghai lake naked carp has become one of the most successful animal conservation projects in China. As of 2018, the amount of carp in the wild reached over 80,000 tones, 34 times of that in 2002.
The Qinghai lake naked carp is one of the few species that is adaptable in cold water with high levels of salt and alkalinity. The fish help keep the water clean by feeding on the algae, which prevents the lake from drying up.
The Qinghai lake naked carp is one of only a few species that is adaptable in salt water. /VCG Photo
The Qinghai lake naked carp is one of only a few species that is adaptable in salt water. /VCG Photo
From 1950s to 1970s, overfishing pushed the fish on the verge of distinction. Realizing the pressing issue, local government decided to ban fishing in winter in 1982 and increased the crackdown on illegal fishing and trading. Combined with artificial breeding, carp numbers bounced back in spite of their low fertility rate.
Naked carp play an important role in maintaining the harmony of the unique ecological chain in Qinghai lake wetland. Renowned as the “heaven of birds”, Qinghai lake area is home to around 250 bird species, most of them feeding on the carp. Therefore the increasing number of naked carp subsequently brought back more birds that previously left the area due to the food crisis dozens of years ago.
Renowned as the “heaven of birds”, Qinghai lake area is home to around 250 bird species. /VCG Photo
Renowned as the “heaven of birds”, Qinghai lake area is home to around 250 bird species. /VCG Photo
Adult carp mostly live in salt water but when it comes to the breeding season, they embark on a dangerous journey to breed and pawn in fresh water by leaping over dams and boulders, as well as avoiding tens of thousands of birds. Seeing millions of carp continuously leap is definitely a sight of beauty from mother nature.
Naked carp leaping over dam. /VCG Photo
Naked carp leaping over dam. /VCG Photo
Regardless of the great achievement, the task of protecting the naked carp is still arduous and the road is long. Besides the commitment of the local government to step up efforts in fighting illegal fishing and selling, they are also trying to work on letting more people understand the importance of protecting these beautiful creatures.