In a remarkable ecological spectacle, over 5,000 grey cranes have transformed Xinjiang's Tiemenguan city into their winter sanctuary this December. The birds are thriving on reclaimed desert farmland at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, feasting on residual grains from recently harvested corn and sunflower fields spanning 40,000 hectares.
A Triumph of Desert Reclamation
Local environmental officials attribute this annual migration to decades of sustained habitat restoration efforts. 'The cranes' return shows our ecological balance is healing,' said Gulnazar Memet, a Uygur conservationist working with Xinjiang's forestry department. Once-barren foothills of the Tianshan Mountains now support diverse species, with crane numbers increasing 30% since 2020.
Economic and Ecological Synergy
The farmland sustaining these migratory birds forms part of China's ambitious desert control initiatives. Advanced drip irrigation and windbreak systems enable agriculture while preserving wetlands. Wildlife tourism has surged 45% year-on-year in the region, creating new opportunities for residents.
