Birds of the Uyghur

Around 430 bird species have been recorded in the Xijiang region. Many of these birds are European and Central Asian species. This is unlike any other part of china. Living in the autonomous region, there are 21.81 million inhabitants. The birds are scattered among four different reserve regions within. These include The Tarim Nature Reserve, Quinggeda Lake Nature Reserve, Karamaili Nature Reserve, and the Lop Nor Nature Reserve.

The Tarim Nature Reserve has 140 bird species documented in the area. It works to preserve and protect the Euphrates Poplar Forest Ecosystem. In this region, there is a river wetland that is very significant for large flocks of migratory birds. There are 41 bird species under the Sino-Japan Migratory Birds Protection Agreement and there are 13 bird species that are under the Sino-Australia Migratory Birds Protection Agreement. 

The Quinggeda Lake Nature Reserve was established specifically to protect rare bird species. This place is great for birds covering 30 square kilometers. There have been 186 bird species recorded in this area. This reserve is a breeding habitat for birds such as Whooper Swans, Great Bustards, Pallas's Fish Eagles, and also 28 other species which are protected under the National Key Protection.

The Karamaili Nature Reserve is considered to be a paradise for wildlife! It has abundant water access and not much interference concerning anthropogenic. Birds have a great food resource due to the vast amount of rodents. This reserve has documented over 200 bird species!

Lop Nor Reserve is the largest desert nature reserve in China. The vegetation is very sparse. The 96 bird species in this region have surprisingly been able to adapt to the rough nature condition in this area. There are rare and endangered bird species in this region. They include Black Stock, Tibetan Eared Pheasant, and the Dalmatian Pelican.