Tibetan Antelopes Spotted Again

Lin Jiyun is a truck driver who often travels to Hoh Xil. He said, " I saw Tibetan antelopes several times this year while driving along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Each time I stopped to see them. This is a good omen."

The reappearance of Tibetan antelopes is the result of China's efforts and cooperation with international communities. In 1997, China set up the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve, and in October 2000 the area was closed to livestock grazing and fuel gathering, and frequent patrols are conducted to inhibit poaching. The current level of poaching, purchasing, and transporting of endangered species, and processing of animal products is 70 percent lower than in 1997. This indicates that after years of effort, Tibetan antelopes are once more thriving and active. According to incomplete statistics from the Qinghai Province forestry department, since 1995, the population of Tibetan antelopes has doubled from 50,000 to 100,000.