Recently, the number of black-necked cranes migrating to Dashanbao reserve in Zhaotong, Yunnan for overwintering has reached 1,938, setting the highest record for the reserve since it was established in 2003. 

Black-necked crane is internationally recognized as a rare and endangered species, and it is the first-class key protected wild animal in China. 

In recent years, there were around 1,400 wintering black-necked cranes flying to this reserve from November to March each year, accounting for about one-sixth of this species’ population. 

Local government has effectively implemented ecological projects, such as ecological restoration, wetland restoration and relocating people living in impoverished regions without sustainable conditions. As a result, the arriving black-necked cranes increased from 1623 in 2018 to 1938 in 2020 and Dabaoshan has become one important transfer station for them, with the largest number and highest density. 

According to the staff of the reserve, most of the observed black-necked cranes will stay there for the winter, but a small proportion will fly to other places in Yunnan and Guizhou province after resting. 

In addition to 1,938 black-necked cranes, there are more than 2,000 other water birds in Dashanbao now, so the staff remind passing people to follow relevant laws and protect wild animals there and their habitats. 

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(Editors: Alison, Christine)