[Explanation] Recently, a 3-square-kilometer freshwater lake has been "discovered" again in the Gobi Desert in Dunhuang, Gansu. In addition, wild camels, desert cats, and other wild animals have recently been "returned" to their homeland. The ecology of Dunhuang, Gansu has been getting better and better in recent years.
The newly discovered freshwater lake named "Aishan Lake" was discovered by researchers in the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve Administration during a spring survey. According to aerial pictures, the lake appears in a low-lying area in the northwest of the West Lake Reserve. The eastern section of the lake is connected to rivers and wetlands, and the western section is deep into Gobi Yadan. 800 meters.
It can be seen that the water of Aishan Lake is clear and rippling. From time to time, fish swim in the lake, and salamanders, egrets, wild ducks, gulls, and other birds perch or fly in the water and reeds. It has become a "new home" for wildlife.
[Contemporary] Sun Zhicheng, Chief Engineer, West Lake National Nature Reserve Administration, Dunhuang, Gansu
We can now see that the original desertified lakes have now recovered their surrounding vegetation and this wild animal is also increasing. It turns out that when there is no water in this place, it looks like this waterfowl, migratory birds, and it's not seen at all. Now you look at this cormorant, great egret, etc. These waterbirds often breed here.
On February 24, 2018, we entered the 31-peak wild camel in this area. Such a large population of wild camels appeared here and along the shore of the Shule River. It was also the first time we discovered that the ecological environment in this area is gradually improving. Attract this wild camel wildlife.
[Explanation] Sun Zhicheng introduced that Aishan Lake is a freshwater lake composed of the Shule River. Today, Aishan Lake, like the two larger lakes of Haranor and Harazi, plays a key role in protecting the wetlands of Dunhuang West Lake and restoring biodiversity.
[Contemporary] Sun Zhicheng, Chief Engineer, West Lake National Nature Reserve Administration, Dunhuang, Gansu
At the same time, we are also using infrared cameras this year to capture some rare animals such as desert cats in this area, which indicates that water is transported through the Shule River, and the ecological environment in this area has been further improved. We also look forward to the Shule River permanently Sexually feeding and replenishing the West Lake in Dunhuang will play a greater role in protecting the Dunhuang oasis, protecting the western ecology of Dunhuang, and protecting the ecological security of western Gansu.
[Explanation] Dunhuang is located at the junction of Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces. There are many deserts and Gobi in the country, and the oasis area only accounts for 4.5% of the total land area.
As the last green barrier to prevent the Kumtag Desert from moving eastward, protect Dunhuang, and protect the Mogao Grottoes, the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve is regarded as a "green legend" that has not been engulfed by the desert. Its ecological restoration effect is particularly significant in recent years .
Qiu Liang, Yin Yongsheng, Gao Ying reports from Lanzhou, Gansu
Editor-in-chief: [Ji Xiang]