On Nov 27, the number of cranes at the Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve in Zhaotong, Yunnan province, reached a historic high of 2,342 thanks to intensified conservation efforts.

Since establishing the nature reserve in 1990, central and provincial authorities have taken measures to protect the cranes, creating a safe environment with abundant food. The measures include specialized patrols and grassland restoration.

These efforts have yielded significant results. The black-necked crane population increased from a mere 200 in the 1990s to more than 2,000 this year.

The black-necked crane is ecologically significant. It is the sole crane species that breeds and winters in the plateau region.

Classified as a first-class protected wild animal, the black-necked crane is a prominent benchmark in the wetlands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation.

The nature reserve is a stopover for the cranes as they migrate south in winter.