Photo taken on October 30th shows a black-necked crane in Yarlung Tsangpo river valley near Samdrup District in Shigatse City. According to the Director of Shigatse Black-necked Crane Management Center, Jigme, this year they’ve stepped up efforts to protect black-necked cranes. The estimated population in 2007 was over 4,200, but it is expected to reach more than 6,000 by February 2016. There are currently 33 protection staff patrolling the protected areas as well as monitoring for epidemic disease. In June 2003 the State Council approved the establishment of Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve, covering three areas including Lhasa, Lhoka Prefecture and Shigatse City.[Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on October 30th shows a black-necked crane in Yarlung Tsangpo river valley near Samdrup District in Shigatse City. According to the Director of Shigatse Black-necked Crane Management Center, Jigme, this year they’ve stepped up efforts to protect black-necked cranes. The estimated population in 2007 was over 4,200, but it is expected to reach more than 6,000 by February 2016. There are currently 33 protection staff patrolling the protected areas as well as monitoring for epidemic disease. In June 2003 the State Council approved the establishment of Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve, covering three areas including Lhasa, Lhoka Prefecture and Shigatse City.[Photo/Xinhua]