Tibet plans new wetland nature reserve

LHASA - The government of southwest China's Tibet autonomous region is planning to establish a new nature reserve in 88,000 hectares of wetland.

It will be established in the Mitika wetland in Lhari County, Nagqu Prefecture, said a spokesperson with the county's forestry bureau.

With an average elevation of 4,900 meters, Mitika boasts diverse vegetation. It is a major migration passage and breeding colony for wild animals including endangered black-necked cranes and Tibetan wild donkeys.

The local government has poured more than 30 million yuan ($4.56 million) into the wetland's restoration and protection since 2010.

Tibet has 47 nature reserves covering 412,200 square km, accounting for about 34 percent of the region's total land.