Black-necked crane becomes official bird of Lhasa

The black-necked crane, a first-class national protected wild animal in China, is officially designated as the "City Bird" of Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region. (Photo by Jigme Wangtso/For chinadaily.com.cn)

The black-necked crane was officially designated as the "City Bird" of Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region, during the recent 28th session of the standing committee of the 12th people's congress of Lhasa, Xizang Daily reported.

In a move to promote wildlife conservation and celebrate local biodiversity, a city-wide campaign called "City Bird in My Heart" was launched at the end of last year, which encouraged residents to vote for their preferred city bird from among five candidate species.

The campaign received an overwhelming response from the public, with thousands of citizens participating. The black-necked crane secured the title with 2,705 votes.

The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a remarkable species, distinguished as the only crane among the world's 15 crane species that breeds and winters in high-altitude regions. It is also the only crane species endemic to China, making it a unique symbol of the country's natural heritage.

The black-necked crane is classified as a national first-class protected wild animal in China.

The designation of the black-necked crane as Lhasa's city bird is part of the city's broader efforts to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

Lhasa's commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity is also reflected in various local initiatives aimed at promoting environmental education and sustainable practices.