XINING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A 40-member escort team has been initiated to protect Tibetan antelopes during their annual migration in northwest China's Hoh Xil nature reserve.

Tibetan antelope are mostly found in Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The species is under first-class state protection in China.

Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes migrate to Hoh Xil between the end of May and early June to give birth and leave with their offspring in August. Zonag Lake is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Han Jianwu, an official with Sanjiangyuan National Park, said the team was set up by the management bureau of the park upon the suggestion of local herders. The team will escort the migrating antelopes from a distance and step in to rescue animals if an emergency situation occurs.

The national park plans to equip the team with monitoring facilities to help them better understand the migrating antelopes and organize training to teach the members outdoor survival and emergency rescue skills.