Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve, Qinghai Province, northwest China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Tibetan antelopes
2. Tibetan antelopes crossing Qinghai-Xizang Highway

Herds of Tibetan antelopes cautiously crossed the Qinghai-Xizang Highway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, prompting police to impose traffic controls to ensure their safe passage.

Each year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes migrate to the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in May to give birth, then depart with their offspring around August.

A China Media Group reporter observed a herd of more than 30 Tibetan antelopes, including calves, beside the Qinghai-Xizang Highway. The animals had completed lambing at Zonag Lake in the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve and were returning to their wintering grounds in the Sanjiangyuan Region.

Footage showed the herd exercising remarkable caution before crossing the roadway. After repeated reconnaissance, they advanced slowly under the lead of one bold antelope. Several paused on the seven-meter-wide highway to assess conditions on the opposite side, while some retreated after venturing partway across.

The antelopes remained highly alert while searching for a safe downhill route. Only after one antelope descended the gentle slope did the rest follow in small groups. Adults instinctively kept calves in the middle of the herd for protection. Once all had crossed the slope, the group resumed its migration together.

To ensure safe passage for the antelopes, police in Hoh Xil imposed traffic controls and closed the road section in advance. Drivers were ordered to switch off engines and avoid honking, while passengers were barred from leaving vehicles or making noise.