Ecological patrol officers in Gerze county, Tibet autonomous region, have been feeding thousands of Tibetan antelopes recently. The animals were at risks of starvation because of heavy recent snowfall, China News Service reported.

Since October, snow and low temperature have swepts southern Shigatse and most of Ngari prefecture, including Gerze county, at altitudes above 4,500 meters.

As part of the Changthang National Nature Reserve, Gerze is home to some rare species, including wild yaks and Tibetan antelopes. Heavy snow stays on the ground for a long time and prevents grazing.

According to Gerze's forestry and grassland bureau, more than 10,000 Tibetan antelopes were wandering along Highway 216 in the county recently in search of forage at lower altitudes. The lack of food for the animals has complicated their monthlong reproductive period, which is why the bureau has dispatched people to feed them recently.

Food for the antelopes has been prepared at different management stations in areas inhabited by the animals.