Chinese scientists have begun a study of the population of Tibetan antelope, an endangered species on China's most-protected list, in Hoh Xil, an uninhabited region in northwestern Qinghai Province.

A team of 20 experts and zoologists from the Qinghai Provincial Forestry Bureau, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Hoh Xil Nature Reserve Administration began the introductory phase of the first survey of wild Tibetan antelopes in the Hoh Xil nature reserve in its central and western parts on Wednesday. They expect to complete the work within ten days.

The second phase of the survey will take place next summer in the eastern and southern parts of the reserve, said Cega, director of the nature reserve under state protection.

An extremely rare species spotted only in China, Tibetan antelopes are targeted by poachers for use in making shawls that sell for up US$11,000. Their rampant hunting has led to a drastic decline in their numbers, from tens of thousands early in the last century to just some 70,000 today. The Tibetan antelope is listed on the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species" (CITES).

China has taken a series of substantial measures to protect Tibetan antelopes, including establishing the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve specially for antelope protection.

With enhanced anti-poaching efforts made by China over recent years, Hoh Xil is again free from poachers' gunshots.

The current investigation is aimed for an accurate number and distribution of the rare antelopes, providing authoritative conclusion for future research and protection.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2004)