Three herds totaling over 40 individual kiang -- a wild donkey species under first-class state protection -- have been spotted in the scenic grasslands of Gangca County of northwest China's Qinghai Province.

Video footage captured the kiang appearing in groups, with some herds marching in orderly formations across the wide expanses of the grassland, while others leisurely grazed or looked on in the picturesque views.
The grasslands of Jirmeng were taking on a lovely green hue in May, providing a stunning natural backdrop for the kiang alongside the snowcapped mountains.
As a wild species under first-class state protection known for its strong herd mentality and running prowess, the kiang is an iconic symbol of Qinghai's high altitude areas.
They typically inhabit the alpine meadows, grasslands and cold deserts of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

"The kiang in Gangca County are basically dispersed from Tianjun County, and Gangca is located at the most marginal area of kiangs' distribution in Qinghai Province. As the province continues to intensify its efforts to protect the ecology, both the species and quantity of wild animals are now in a trend of recovery and growth," said Zhang Yu, senior engineer of the Qinghai Forestry and Grassland Bureau.