Every spring, the does return to the Hoh Xil nature reserve in southwest China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, to give birth.
The Tibetan antelope is an endangered species hunted for its luxurious wool, which is woven into shawls. Every spring, the does return to the Hoh Xil nature reserve in southwest China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, to give birth. This year has seen the return of around twenty-thousand females.
The reserve covers 45-thousand square meters. It was set up in 1997, as armed poaching had reduced antelope numbers to less than 20-thousand. Since then, the number has recovered to around 150-thousand. The does usually give birth in mid-June.
However this year, the first group arrived at Zonag Lake, as early as May 3rd. Experts say it may have something to do with the climate change, or the improved environment in the region.
