The calving peak of the endangered Tibetan antelope has arrived in the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang region in July.
Since late June, thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes have been congregating at Tuzihu Lake, a high-altitude area located within the reserve at about 5,000 meters above sea level.
Researchers say that within just 30 minutes of birth, Tibetan antelope calves can stand, walk, and even run. The protected animals will remain in the area until the young are strong enough to undertake the long journey back to their original habitats. The Tibetan antelope is a Class-I protected species in China.
"According to what we have observed here, we estimate that the number of female Tibetan antelopes participating in the birth migration in the Tuzihu Lake area this year is about 30,000. And more than half of the calves have been born," said Li Jingxi, researcher at the Administration Bureau of Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve.
There is currently no scientific consensus on why antelopes choose to give birth in this high-altitude area. Some experts suggest that the abundance of grasses may attract them, while others believe there may be specific elements in the animals' biology that correlate with these locations.
Scientists are continuing their research. Each year during the birthing season, staff from the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve monitor and document the migration and calving process to support conservation efforts. Under the top protection, the local Tibetan antelope population has reached approximately 65,000.
Thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes migrate to Tuzihu Lake in Xinjiang to give birth
