Tibetan keeps close watch on 'sacred' black-necked cranes

However, her path has not been completely smooth. In the early days she struggled with riding her bike in rough terrain and suffered many scrapes and bruises. The remote and sparsely populated areas also fostered a fear of attack from nature's predators such as bears.

Over the years, Kyizom has mastered her skills and overcome her fears, and started to pass on her experience to her own children.

A mother of three, she guides her children just as her father taught her. When they are on vacation, she takes them to observe wildlife, teaching them how to identify animal species.

The children learn to look up, carefully counting the cranes flying across the sky, just like their mother.

Through her years of interaction with black-necked cranes, Kyizom has gained an in-depth knowledge of their behaviors.

"In wetland environments with good weather, safety and abundant food, black-necked cranes will gently flap their wings and make giggling calls to express their joy. Now, this sound also brings me happiness," she said.

"I hope to participate in more training on scientific wildlife rescue. Through my efforts, I want to ensure that wildlife can live safer and happier lives," she said.

With people's increasing enthusiasm for exploring nature, bird-watching activities are becoming more popular, making Kyizom's grassland more lively than before.

"When tourists visit, we remind them not to disturb the lives of black-necked cranes," Kyizom said. "They are our auspicious birds, and I hope more people will love and help them, making Xizang a beautiful home for black-necked cranes."

Shi Yudie, Zhang Lina and Yang Meiduo contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn