ELEGANCE IN THE AIR

Red-crowned crane

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

The Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang province has released over 380 red-crowned cranes into the wild, making it the world's largest and most populous breeding and habitat site for wild red-crowned cranes, as well as being a base for artificial breeding and rewilding.

Established in 1979, the reserve was upgraded to a national-level reserve by the State Council in 1987 and is now known as the hometown of red-crowned cranes.