In the remote lands of Tibet, for over 1000 years this concept has been translated into practical benefits for wildlife, and it starts literally on their doorstep. Buddhist monasteries have sacred sites, areas where taboos are placed on the hunting and killing of animals. Some creatures have become so tame that the nuns are able to hand-feed them, like these Tibetan-eared pheasants. Thanks to hand-outs from the nuns, these rare birds can survive the worst of the winter. In this extreme place, people with few resources are prepared to share them with their needy fellow creatures. The Tibetan example is a model for conservation. This respect for wildlife extends beyond the monasteries and into the wider community.

 

One of Tibet's most sacred creatures is the black-necked crane. In summer, they live and breed out on the plateau, but in winter they congregate on farmland.70% of the world's population can be found here. The species was only recently identified by scientists, but it has been known to Tibetans for hundreds of years. In the 17th century, Tibet’s supreme Lama wrote: "Crane, lend me your wings, I go no farther than Lithang County. And thence, return again." Tibetans believed he was predicting the site of his own reincarnation and in due course his successor was found, sure enough living in Lithang county.