2005-08-15

China's State Council has approved Lhasa's application to create two more state-level natural reserves in Tibet.

So far, there are nine such nature reserves in Tibet.

Currently 43 wild animal species, such as the black-necked crane and the vulture, 152 aquatic and 101 insect species live in Lalu wetland, one of the two new state-level natural reserves.

Experts say Lalu Swamp absorbs nearly 80 thousand tons of carbon dioxide each year and is also an important habitat for black-necked crane and widgeon, which are state-protected species.

The Lalu Swamp is the highest swamp in the world at 3,600 meters high, and its total area encompasses 6.2 square kilometers.

Tibettour.com.cn/ent/ CRI