Plateau species protected

Wu Xiaomin is the first scientist in China to conduct scientific investigations into the summer birthing grounds of Tibetan antelopes. Over the past decade, he has traveled to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau many times, gradually unraveling the mystery of Tibetan antelope migration.

The Tibetan antelope is listed as a first-class protected wild animal in China and was classified as near threatened in the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species in 2016.

Excessive hunting, human activities and habitat changes have posed threats to the birthing and migration of Tibetan antelopes, which led to a rapid decline in their population. However, over the past few years, the situation has been changing.

Wu, now a senior expert at the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology of Shaanxi province, said that as a result of conservation measures implemented for Tibetan antelope habitats, their population has steadily increased. As of last year the population of Tibetan antelopes in China exceeded 300,000.

In 2003, Wu’s team conducted scientific investigations into the unique wildlife on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, especially monitoring the activity patterns of wildlife during the construction of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway.

Over the past 20 years, Wu and his team have gained a clearer understanding of the migration routes of Tibetan antelopes by using traditional tracking and monitoring methods, as well as the latest technological means, including satellite navigation and intelligent camera systems.

Observations indicate that female Tibetan antelopes exhibit seasonal reproductive migration behavior. The mating period for Tibetan antelopes occurs from midNovember to mid-December, and the young are born from mid-June to early July the following year.

“Tibetan antelope calves start migrating with their mothers from birth, and only about 30% of those that survive have the best genes, allowing this population to persist in the unique and harsh natural conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,” Wu said.

“I have always believed that there is no end to the study of them.”