Eighteen nature reserves of Tibet Autonomous Region

Over 5,000 senior plants, 39 of which have been listed as wild plants under state key protection, grow in Tibet. The region also boasts 798 species of vertebrates and 2,305 species of insects. Some 125 animals in Tibet have been listed as rare species under top government protection. They include Tibetan antelope, yak, snow chicken and black-neck crane. Tibet, which occupies one eighth of China's total area, has 6,400 kinds of plants including 40 kinds of rare species. It has over 1,000 sorts of herbal medicine, about one third of the national total.

　　Tibetan authorities also took steps to probe fauna and flora resources and strengthen co-operation with foreign countries. Comprehensive probe has been jointly conducted by teams made up of foreign and Chinese scientists on the species, distribution and life pattern of the wild animals in Qiangtang Nature Reserve of north Tibet. The American High Mountain Research Institute has a share in launching the Mount Qomolangma Nature Reserve; it signed an agreement for 12-year co-operation and invested tens of thousands of dollars in technical personnel training and establishment of development foundations. Japanese environmental protection research institutions have also expressed desire to co-operate.

　　The following articles will show you around the eighteen nature reserves of Tibet Autonomous Region. The nature reserves tell you their stories, and we believe the rare animals and trees, peculiar wonders and ancient relics must amaze you.