At dawn, veteran forest ranger Wang Huasheng laces up his boots and sets out on a six-hour trek into Mao’er Mountain, the highest peak in South China. After more than three decades patrolling these trails, Wang’s farewell approaches with his upcoming retirement.
For Wang, each journey blends routine and discovery: forest fire prevention, wildlife monitoring, and stopping illegal logging and poaching. Partnering with a colleague ensures safety on muddy paths that often disappear in heavy rains.
A Living Ecosystem
Mao’er Mountain, the source of the Li River, stands as a vital ecological barrier in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Known as the heart of the Li River, the mountain is celebrated for its pristine subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests and is now a nationally recognized model nature reserve.
This area is one of the Chinese mainland’s biodiversity hotspots and a key terrestrial biodiversity region of international significance within the Nanling Mountains. The reserve protects water conservation forests at the Li River headwaters and nationally protected species of flora and fauna.
Capturing Nature’s Secrets
Every two months, Wang collects memory cards from infrared cameras scattered along hidden trails. His findings often include rare glimpses of the silver pheasant, a species known to thrive only in well-preserved, remote mountain forests.
Planting Seeds of the Future
As retirement looms, Wang reflects on the trees he planted and the legacy he leaves behind. Though he will step back from daily patrols, he hopes to return each year to visit young forests he helped nurture. His commitment underscores the impact one individual can have on shaping sustainable landscapes.
Why It Matters
Wang’s story reminds global citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers that conservation requires dedication, teamwork, and respect for nature’s complexity. Mao’er Mountain not only offers breathtaking scenery but also serves as a beacon for sustainable stewardship in an interconnected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
