Tibet plans new wetland nature reserve

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 U.S. dollars) 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. Endi