Annual Migration of Tibetan Antelopes Begins in Hoh Xil Nature Reserve

The annual great migration of Tibetan antelopes has commenced in the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, signaling a remarkable natural phenomenon on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. On the morning of May 7, the first group of 47 female Tibetan antelopes embarked on their journey from the Wudaoliang protection station towards Lake Zhuonai, marking the beginning of a mass movement that sees thousands of these majestic creatures migrate to their birthing grounds.

From May to July each year, female Tibetan antelopes from regions including Sanjiangyuan in Qinghai, parts of the Qiangtang Terrane in Xizang (Tibet), and the Altun Mountains in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region undertake a strenuous journey to the hinterlands of Lake Zhuonai in Hoh Xil. After giving birth, they return with their offspring to their original habitats, completing a cycle crucial for the species’ survival.

“For Tibetan antelopes, we divide them into six groups based on geographical distribution,” explained Lian Xinming, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “Qinghai and Xinjiang have one group each. In Xizang, there are three groups in the eastern, central, and western Qiangtang Terrane. There is also a group in southern Qiangtang that doesn’t migrate.”

The Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, often referred to as a “no-life zone” due to its average altitude exceeding 4,600 meters and harsh environmental conditions, serves as a crucial sanctuary for the Tibetan antelope. Despite thin air and low oxygen levels, these animals thrive, displaying remarkable adaptations that allow them to run at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour. Their warm underfur and high blood oxygen capacity are key factors contributing to their endurance and speed.

To safeguard the migration routes, the Hoh Xil management authority established the Wudaoliang protection station. This year, the station has already monitored over 700 migrating Tibetan antelopes, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts. The Tibetan antelope is under first-class state protection in China, and dedicated measures have led to a significant population increase in the Hoh Xil region—from fewer than 20,000 in the late 1980s to over 70,000 today.

The migration of the Tibetan antelope is not only a critical natural event but also a symbol of successful wildlife conservation. As these graceful creatures continue their journey across some of the world’s most challenging terrains, they highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and the effectiveness of dedicated environmental stewardship.

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