霍城四爪陆龟国家级自然保护区, Nature reserve in Huocheng County, China.
The Huocheng Four-clawed Tortoise National Nature Reserve is a protected area in Xinjiang that covers extensive grasslands and semi-arid terrain. The landscape features open steppes where soil conditions and climate support the survival of this tortoise species.
The reserve was established in 1983 when populations of this tortoise species were declining sharply across Central Asia. Its creation marked a turning point in regional efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
The reserve is named after the four-clawed tortoise species that lives here and represents the symbol of protection efforts in the region. Local communities connect their identity with safeguarding this creature and maintaining the grasslands it inhabits.
The area offers observation points where visitors can watch the tortoises in their natural habitat. Plan to walk across open, arid terrain and bring suitable footwear for exploring the grasslands on foot.
Researchers from multiple countries collaborate here to study reproduction and behavior of the species. This international cooperation has been crucial to recent breeding successes within the protected area.
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