For over two decades, sustained wildlife conservation initiatives in Shaanxi Province, northwest China, have led to the remarkable recovery of several rare animal species. Infrared cameras deployed in Zhouzhi County’s expansive nature reserve, near Xi'an, have recently captured heartwarming images of first-class protected species like snub-nosed monkeys, takins, and musk deer interacting in their natural habitat.
One of the most noteworthy sightings was the simultaneous appearance of three highly protected species by the same camera for the first time, showcasing significant population growth since the cameras were first installed in 2013.
\"We spotted five or six takins, a lot of snub-nosed monkeys that appear intermittently in four to five groups with each group having about 10, two musk deer and many wild boars,\" explained He Yalou, head of a management station at the reserve.
He noted that in earlier years, a single camera would rarely capture more than one of these protected animals or only a few second-class protected species.
Another staff member highlighted that since the inception of a forest ecosystem protection project 25 years ago, the reserve has experienced a steady increase in wildlife populations, including four first-class and nearly 20 second-class protected species.
\"As the protected habitats of these animals steadily recover, their distribution has widened. Wild animals may now appear in every corner of the forests, necessitating enhanced management and protection efforts to ensure the safety of these resources and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife,\" said Ding Qiaozhou, head of the resource monitoring and fire prevention division at the reserve.
Reference(s):
Conservation leads to recovery of wildlife in NW China's Shaanxi
cgtn.com
