At 4,500 meters above sea level, herder-turned-photographer Choegyab treks through the rugged terrain of Nyanpo Yuzee in eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, documenting the intimate lives of black-necked cranes – a species synonymous with Tibetan ecosystems. His lens reveals fledglings taking first flights, synchronized mating rituals, and the cranes’ frost-defying resilience.
\"Filming here is like dancing with the wind – unpredictable but magical,\" Choegyab says, describing sub-zero temperatures and oxygen-thin air as daily challenges. The region hosts nearly 100 breeding pairs annually, accounting for over 70% of the species’ global population.
Conservationists praise Choegyab’s work for raising awareness about habitat preservation amid climate pressures. The cranes, classified as vulnerable by IUCN, face threats from grassland degradation. Local governments and NGOs now collaborate on eco-tourism initiatives, blending traditional herding wisdom with sustainable practices.
For global audiences, Choegyab’s Instagram reels offer a rare glimpse into high-altitude wildlife – proving that grassroots storytelling can bridge cultures and drive environmental action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
