In Tibet, 125 species have state protection, about one third of the national total. Tibetan antelope, wild ass, wild yak, and even snow leopard are increasingly sighted in Tibet.

 

In the past 20 years, the number of Tibetan antelopes has risen from about 40,000 to almost 200,000, while the wild ass population has risen almost three-fold in the same period.

 

More wildlife brings trouble for some residents. In February, a Xigaze resident claimed to have been "robbed" by 10 northern plains gray langur.

 

"They know that we will not hurt them, so they often come to steal food in our village, particularly during Winters and Spring," said Gyezang."This year they stole my potatoes and carrots, though government subsidies helped cover my losses."

 

Authorities planning to spend 15.5 billion yuan (2.3 billion U.S. dollars) to guarantee "blue skies and clean water."

 

"Environmental protection is our bottom line when it comes to economic development," said Losang Gyaltsen, the regional Party chairman.

 

Tibet has also banned expansions of industries like steel, chemicals and paper, with existing companies shut down or told to transform, according to Zhuang Hongxiang, deputy head of the regional environmental protection department.