**Interview: Protecting Wildlife in Tibet**
**Interviewer:** In recent years, there has been a concerted effort in your region to prioritize ecological protection and enhance conservation measures for wildlife. Can you elaborate on what steps have been taken to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna on the Tibetan Plateau?
**Interviewee:** Absolutely. We’ve been unwavering in our commitment to ecological preservation, implementing scientific strategies to strengthen protections for wild plants and animals. This commitment has led to significant recovery in the populations of most protected species, alongside ongoing improvements in biodiversity. According to the white paper on “The Practice and Historic Achievements of the Party’s Governance Strategy in Tibet,” there are 1,072 terrestrial wild vertebrate species in Tibet, including 65 species receiving first-class national protection, such as the snow leopard and the black-necked crane.
**Interviewer:** The black-necked crane seems to hold a special significance. Can you tell us about the efforts to protect this particular species?
**Interviewee:** Certainly! The black-necked crane, revered as a “fairy of the plateau,” is the only crane species that breeds and survives at high altitudes. Here in Lhasa’s Linzhou County, the Yalung River Basin serves as a crucial wintering ground for these cranes. Our dedicated patrollers, like 60-year-old Danzeng, are essential to these efforts. Danzeng has forged a deep connection with the cranes over the years, enthusiastically sharing the joy of their return each winter and preparing extensively to ensure their safe passage.
**Interviewer:** How do the patrols operate during the winter season?
**Interviewee:** During their winter stay, our patrollers monitor the cranes closely, eliminating potential threats and preventing poaching. Our team is committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, raising community awareness about wildlife conservation, and providing care for injured animals. Strategically placed feeding stations in the black-necked crane’s habitat allow us to provide over 20,000 pounds of barley and wheat each year, ensuring they have plenty to eat.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! Moving on to migration, what role does the Arhe Wetland play for the black-necked cranes?
**Interviewee:** The Arhe Wetland, located in Damxung County, serves as a vital stopover for many black-necked cranes during their migration. Being the largest and highest wetland nature reserve in Lhasa, it provides a rich ecological environment. Our recent efforts have included the rescue of an injured crane, which we named “Tselo.” After a thorough recovery process at a local rescue station, we were able to safely release it back into the wild, emphasizing our commitment to rehabilitation.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the community is actively involved in these conservation efforts. Can you share some specifics about the local involvement?
**Interviewee:** Yes, indeed. In Damxung County alone, there are 571 wildlife protectors dedicated to monitoring and caring for animals like the black-necked crane. Through rigorous wildlife surveys, we’ve confirmed the presence of various species that require our protection.
**Interviewer:** What broader initiatives are in place to safeguard wildlife across the region?
**Interviewee:** In Ali Region, for example, we have multiple nature reserves, including the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve, which is home to key species like the snow leopard and wild yak. The cooperation among various agencies has enabled us to effectively rescue and rehabilitate numerous wildlife, with an impressive increase in populations over the past five years.
**Interviewer:** How are these efforts contributing to ecological safety in the region?
**Interviewee:** By implementing laws like the Wildlife Protection Law, we ensure rigorous protections are in place. Public awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives continue to evolve, fostering a culture of conservation among the community. We are building a system of natural protected areas, focusing on unique habitats that serve as safe havens for endangered species.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights! The steps being taken for conservation in your region are commendable and show a deep commitment to preserving both wildlife and ecological balance.