A remarkable discovery has been made in Shiqu County of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Sichuan Province. A joint research team from Sichuan Changsha Gongma National Nature Reserve and China West Normal University recently filmed 16 Tibetan argali, a first-class state-protected animal, during a biodiversity survey.
The footage, captured at an impressive altitude of over 4,700 meters, marks the first sighting of a wild population of Tibetan argali in Sichuan in several years. The group appears robust, with the argali occasionally lowering their heads to forage and raising them to cautiously scan their surroundings. When sensing potential danger, they swiftly flee, demonstrating the vitality of the plateau ecosystem.
Tibetan argali primarily inhabit high-altitude grasslands, deserts, and meadows ranging from 1,500 to 5,500 meters above sea level. They favor semi-open alpine rocky areas and undulating mountain hills. In recent years, improvements in the ecological environment have led to more frequent sightings of key protected animals like the white-lipped deer and Tibetan argali in Shiqu County.
The video, shot by CMG's Liu Tao, highlights the ongoing conservation efforts and the positive impact of environmental improvements in the region.
Reference(s):
Wild population of Tibetan argali spotted again in Shiqu County
cgtn.com
