HOHHOT, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The population of the relict gull, a rare bird species, has increased by over 1,000 this year in Uxin Banner of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, one of its main habitats.

May to July each year is the peak breeding season for the gulls. This year, over 1,000 baby birds had been born in the banner, bringing the total population there to over 4,000, the forestry and grassland administration of Ordos, which administers the banner, said Tuesday.

"Uxin Banner has seen an increasing number of the gulls in recent years with an improving environment and strengthened efforts to protect animals," said Zhang Chengbo, deputy head of the wildlife protection and management station in Ordos.

The relict gull was identified as a new species in the 1970s and is a Class A protected animal in China. Enditem