China recorded a total of 13,060 Kiang, or Tibetan wild asses, in the first round of a targeted survey, according to the Qinghai Forestry and Grassland Bureau.

The survey, launched in December last year, confirmed that the species is primarily distributed in Mado County, Qumalai County, and Zhiduo County, reinforcing Qinghai's role as a key habitat for the animal.

The Tibetan wild ass, a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is classified as a national first-class protected wild animal in China. Building on the initial survey, researchers plan to conduct follow-up studies during the breeding season in August 2025 and the mating season in mid-to-late November 2025.

By integrating transect surveys and ecological modeling, the research aims to provide scientific evidence and management recommendations for mitigating conflicts between Tibetan wild asses and pastureland use in livestock farming.