Relict gulls thrive at China's largest desert lake

Thousands of relict gulls are hatching their eggs on the central island of Hongjiannao Lake, China's largest desert freshwater lake, in Yulin, Shaanxi province.

He Heping, director of the administrative bureau of Hongjiannao National Nature Reserve, said the hatching period of relict gulls lasts from late April to May.

"According to preliminary statistics, the number of relict gull nests has reached between 4,500 and 5,000," he said.

Hongjiannao Lake covers an area of approximately 37 square kilometers and is a vital habitat and breeding ground for the relict gull, a first-class protected wild animal in China.

He said that the bureau will continue protecting the island and its surrounding areas to enhance the habitat and breeding environment for the birds.

Video by Ma Teng.