200 rare and endangered species see population recovery

Over 200 rare and endangered wild animal species in China have been in stage of population recovery, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

The country has also brought over 100 endangered wild plant species under emergency conservation measures, the administration revealed in a news release on Thursday, which coincided with this year's International Day for Biological Diversity, with the theme of "harmony with nature and sustainable development".

The progress occurred thanks to the country's consistent efforts to implement a nature reserve system centered on national parks and wildlife protection projects, the release stated.

The endeavor has led to significant advancements in biodiversity conservation, evidenced by "the steady increase in populations of rare and endangered wild plant and animal species in China, as well as improvements in their habitats".

The biological diversity in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, for instance, has maintained a continuous momentum to thrive, with the population of the Tibetan antelope rebounding from no more than 20,000 in the early 1980s to the current over 70,000.

The administration highlighted the surge in the number of wintering waterbirds in the country as another potent testament to the progress.

Monitoring showed that about 5.06 million waterbirds wintered in China last year, a historical high, it disclosed.

The administration pledged a strengthened effort to further promote biodiversity conservation in the country. "With the aim of protecting key endangered species, the administration will undertake major biodiversity conservation projects to support the recovery of wild populations of these species. Additionally, as part of its efforts to enhance biodiversity conservation comprehensively, it will continue to intensify the crackdown on illegal wildlife trade," it stated.