Leopards, along with other wild animals, have been frequently spotted in a nature reserve in Jiyuan City, central China's Henan Province in the past six months, articulating the success of local wildlife protection efforts.
Those wild animals were captured by infrared cameras in the Henan Taihang Mountain Macaque National Nature Reserve.
Staff members from the nature reserve discovered that since June, leopards have been passing through a specific location almost every month. Infrared cameras have captured 13 photos and six video clips of leopards.
Additionally, the cameras have also recorded other wildlife, including forest musk deer, brown-eared pheasants, macaques, leopard cats, koklass pheasants and red-bellied pheasants.
"The population of leopards is steadily increasing. Through pattern comparison, it has been confirmed that the number of leopards has reached 9 to 13 individuals. The downstream food chain resources for leopards are abundant. The frequent 'appearances' of leopards has articulated that the ecological environment is improving, with habitats suitable for wildlife expanding significantly," said Ren Yingfeng, staff member of the protection center of the Henan Taihang Mountain Macaque National Nature Reserve.
In recent years, the local area has implemented an integrated approach to the protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. A total of 600 hectares of ecological protection and restoration work has been completed, leading to significant improvements in the ecological environment.
Leopards spotted multiple times in Henan's nature reserve
Leopards spotted multiple times in Henan's nature reserve
Farmers in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are turning a once barren desert into a thriving agricultural hub, harvesting apples and crabs to boost income and improve livelihood.
Known for its abundant sunshine and significant temperature variation between day and night, Aksu provides ideal growing conditions for its famed apples.
These apples are not only large and beautifully colored, but they also feature a distinct "crystal heart"- a result of the region's unique natural advantages.
Beyond natural conditions, Aksu's apple production also benefits from careful management.
The region has adopted an innovative way of inhibiting wind and fixing sand by planting trees to shield apple trees from harsh conditions.
Today, the once barren land is returning the favor.
This year alone, Aksu's orchard industry is expected to generate 19.2 billion yuan (nearly 2.65 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue.
It's not just apples that are thriving in the region.
Along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert, aquatic products from the foot of the Tianshan Mountains are also gaining popularity.
A species of crab from Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, is introduced to the region.
Initially, there were doubts about whether crabs could survive in Xinjiang's saline soil.
"Before, we raised fish, but we never even considered crabs. We thought they would be hard to farm, especially since it's a new species, and we weren't sure if they could survive. So, we just took a 'let's give it a try' attitude," said Xu Zhongsu, chairman of a farmers' cooperative in Aksu.
But the area's climate, water sources and saline environment proved to be perfect for the crabs' growth, leading to crabs not only thriving but growing larger than expected.
This success has bolstered local confidence.
As sales begin this year, farmers are seeing tangible returns.
"We didn't expect them to grow so well. Now we're starting sales, which means people can earn money from crab farming. This boosts confidence for next year, and we plan to expand our base, allowing local villagers to increase their income," said Wang Jia, a sales rep of the crabs.
Xinjiang farmers turn desert into thriving farmland, boosting income
