Recently, as summer approaches, most of black-necked cranes that winter in the Dashangbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve in Zhaotong, Yunnan, have safely left the reserve, except 7 young cranes. They have returned to their breeding grounds in Zoige Wetland in Sichuan, thanks to the meticulous care of the reserve's staff and local villagers. They will begin nurturing new life and are expected to return to Dashanbao when the wintering season begins again in early November. Before departing, the cranes gather in flocks, choosing clear, breezy days to set off. They sometimes soar high into the clouds, sometimes return to land, sometimes circle in the sky, and sometimes sing loudly and dance gracefully, as if bidding a reluctant farewell to their guardians.

As crane flocks slowly disappeared from sight, the ground-based protectors felt a bit lonely and silently murmured, "Cranes, fly slowly. Eat and drink well before heading north. Wish you a safe journey, come back early when winter gets cold!"

The Dashangbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve in Zhaotong, Yunnan, is a wetland of international significance, serving as an important wintering site for the eastern population of the black-necked crane, a near-threatened species and a national first-class protected animal. Since the establishment of the reserve in 1990, a series of projects, such as wetland ecological benefit compensation, wetland ecological restoration, and the construction of food source bases for black-necked cranes, have been implemented. Extensive efforts in science popularization and education, and community assistance have also been carried out. The ecological environment has improved significantly, and the awareness and intensity of protection have continuously strengthened, creating a favorable habitat and living space for migratory birds to winter. The number of black-necked cranes has increased from over 260 when the reserve was first set up in 1990 to over 2,000 in 2024. As a result, Zhaoyang District has been honored with the title "Hometown of the Black-necked Crane in China," and the Dashanbao Wetland has been rated as "China's Most Beautiful Wetland." The black-necked crane has become the most prominent calling card of Zhaotong.

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(Editors: Ines, Lexi)