Conservation efforts revamp Zoige Wetland into thriving ecosystem

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

Nearly 20 years of conservation efforts have revitalized the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, significantly boosting black-necked crane populations and overall biodiversity. This success, driven by local community involvement and improved monitoring technology, demonstrates the reserve’s role as a vital habitat indicator and promises continued ecological protection through training new conservationists.

CHENGDU, China — Nearly two decades of conservation efforts have transformed the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve in Sichuan province into a thriving habitat for black-necked cranes and other wildlife species, officials say. The reserve, spanning over 166,000 hectares, has seen significant ecological improvements supported by the involvement of local communities and advancements in monitoring technology.

Sonam Dorchi, an ethnic Tibetan who joined the reserve’s administration in 2007, has witnessed firsthand the progress made in habitat protection and species recovery. Originally an elementary school teacher, Sonam shifted his career to wildlife conservation, becoming deeply familiar with the wetlands through extensive fieldwork. Over the years, he helped map wetland areas and nesting sites and later oversaw the introduction of monitoring cameras in 2019, which have enhanced the reserve’s surveillance capabilities.

Despite technological advancements, manual field surveys remain a key tool in managing the reserve. Each June, Sonam Dorchi and his team conduct detailed counts of black-necked cranes along multiple routes, assessing adult and chick populations and nesting success. Due to the reserve’s vast size, around 200 local herders have been recruited as rangers spread across 28 villages, providing regular patrols, diverting human and livestock traffic away from sensitive areas, and benefiting from an additional income source. Conservation authorities credit these local partnerships for fostering a strong grassroots commitment to protecting the grasslands.

Gu Haijun, an official with Sichuan’s provincial forestry and grassland administration, emphasized the ecological significance of the black-necked crane as an indicator species. The bird’s presence reflects the health of the wetlands, with stable or increasing populations signaling improved conditions of the grasslands that sustain both wildlife and local livelihoods.

The reserve’s biodiversity indicators have shown notable growth. The number of nationally protected first-class species recorded in Zoige has doubled from nine to 18, while second-class species more than doubled from 25 to 52. The black-necked crane, once classified as endangered, has been downgraded to near threatened, prompting cautious optimism among conservationists.

Sonam Dorchi expressed satisfaction at the crane’s improved status, viewing it as validation of the years of protective work. He is now focused on training younger colleagues in species identification and field techniques, ensuring knowledge is passed on. One apprentice now shares images of wetland wildlife on social media, while another, a local herder’s daughter, has become a sought-after guide for researchers conducting surveys.

The reserve’s natural cycle continues with the seasonal migration of birds. Each November, black-necked cranes depart for their southern wintering grounds as whooper swans arrive from Siberia to spend the colder months in Zoige.

After nearly two decades, Sonam Dorchi is beginning to transition responsibilities to the next generation of conservationists, confident the wetlands will remain a refuge for wildlife and an essential resource for local communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.