Scientists track migration routes of endangered species

Summer is the season when endangered Tibetan antelopes migrate long distances to their calving grounds to give birth. Their arduous journey has fueled the curiosity of scientists to track them with GPS technology.

Poached to near extinction in recent years, many Tibetan antelopes live on northwest China's Qinghai Tibetan Plateau.

It's now July, or birthing season for this endangered animal. But a mystery remains as to why Tibetan antelopes travel thousands of kilometers to do so.

But thanks to GPS technology, scientists may have more understanding of the habits of this elf-like creature.

"We have been studying migration patterns of the Tibetan antelope, but it was very difficult because of years of artificial tracking and monitoring work. Since 2007, we have attached special satellite tracking collars to the antelope herd which has worked out well," Wu Xiaomin, researcher with Shaanxi Institute Of Zoology, said.

During this scientific expedition in Changtang National Nature Reserve, researchers attached special collars to dozens of Tibetan antelopes, before they made their way to the calving ground.

A satellite network was used to track the herd. Statistics showed two seperate herds of antelopes from the Naqu district begin migrating from their usual habitat in mid May.

Both herds converged toward a place near Sewu Snow Mountains, or their destination, an area of around 80 square kilometers.

They then move toward the calving ground.

"After the birthing season ends, we can preliminarily analyse and understand the migration pattern of the antelopes from their special collars attached," Wu said.

Some experts say the Tibetan antelope migrates away for better grass, others say more favorable climate could play a part. However for Wu Xiaomin, he thinks it is due to evolution, but there is still no definitive explanation.

Experts say they will keep working on the issue and mysteries are hopefully to be solved in the near future.