Every year, as the summer approaches, thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes make a perilous journey across the vast plateaus of the Qinghai-Tibet region. This annual migration leads them to the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, a sanctuary where they will give birth and nurture their young.
Starting this week, the reserve’s management bureau observed the first groups of these majestic creatures setting off on their migration routes. The Tibetan antelopes, known locally as “chiru,” traverse hundreds of kilometers, facing harsh weather conditions and natural predators, to reach the safety of Hoh Xil’s calving grounds.
“The migration is a crucial period for the survival of the species,” said a spokesperson from the reserve. “By congregating in Hoh Xil, the antelopes find a secure environment away from human disturbances and natural threats.”
The Tibetan antelope is an endangered species, protected under China’s wildlife conservation laws. Their population had significantly declined due to illegal poaching in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily for their fine wool known as shahtoosh. Concerted conservation efforts over the past decades have led to a gradual recovery of their numbers.
Hoh Xil, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plays a pivotal role in these conservation efforts. Rangers patrol the reserve year-round to prevent poaching and monitor the health of the antelope populations. The migration not only signifies the renewal of life for the Tibetan antelopes but also highlights the success of ongoing preservation initiatives.
Local communities and authorities are urged to minimize disturbances along the migration routes. Measures such as controlling traffic on key corridors and raising public awareness are in place to ensure the antelopes can travel safely.
“Protecting the Tibetan antelope is a shared responsibility,” the spokesperson added. “Their journey is a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of our role in safeguarding it.”
The migration will continue over the coming weeks, with the antelopes expected to return to their original habitats with their offspring by late summer.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
