Across China: Endangered cranes welcomed by Tibetans during migration

Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-26 15:30:26|Editor: Lu Hui

LHASA, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Every year, black-necked cranes arrive in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, where they are welcomed by locals and tourists.

"This is the only time of the year when we can see flocks of these birds. It's spectacular!" said Toinzhub Cering, a wildlife ranger in Lhundrup County, which is about 87 miles northeast of Lhasa, Tibet's capital.

Black-necked cranes are often seen in Tibet's river valleys and the region's barley and wheat fields in winter. And Toinzhub knows exactly where to find them.

For ten years, the 42-year-old has patrolled the nature reserve in Lhundrup, one of the major habitats of black-necked cranes.

With an estimated population of around 10,200, the species is classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed among more than 90 endangered species on China's top protection list, along with the giant panda and golden monkey.

The black-necked crane is the most recently identified among 15 kinds of cranes worldwide. They are also the only kind that inhabits plateau areas with an altitude of 2,500-5,000 meters.

Toinzhub Cering feels passionate about protecting the species and has been doing his part to help. He is always the first person to call media and authorities each year when the rare birds come and go.

Now that he has learned how to use social media, he often shares photos of the cranes with his friends.

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