The largest field surveys in China's remote western Hoh Xil nature reserve has been launched with aims to evaluate the area's natural resources, the reserve said Saturday.
The surveys will involve evaluation of bio-diversity, the geographical and geological situation as well as water resources in the reserve, said Wang Hailin, a publicity official for the reserve.
In addition, researchers will also reevaluate the region's infrastructure due to an increasing number of newly formed lakes posing a flood risk to nearby roads and power transmission lines, said Wang.
The surveys will provide data support for Hoh Xil's application for world natural heritage status. It has started the application work since last November.
The reserve covers an area of 45,000 sq kilometers that encompasses China's largest area of uninhabited land. It is home to several endangered species, including Tibetan antelopes.
More than 40 researchers are conducting the three-week surveys in the reserve and will finish on May 29.
