Recent infrared footage from the Saihan Wula National Nature Reserve in Chifeng City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has unveiled captivating scenes of the elusive Manchurian wapiti. These protected animals were caught on camera bellowing and engaging in fierce battles for territory and mates.
The Manchurian wapiti, a proposed subspecies of the wapiti native to East Asia, is currently listed under second-class state protection in China. The footage showcases adult male deer in their prime, emitting resonant calls and clashing antlers in dramatic confrontations, a spectacle seldom witnessed in the wild.
“The bellowing of deer peaks in September and October, primarily as males attempt to attract females,” explained Hong Meijing, head of the scientific monitoring section at the reserve. “These vocalizations and battles are vital behaviors during the mating season.”
To enhance conservation efforts, researchers have installed 59 infrared cameras throughout the reserve. They also employ advanced technologies such as GPS collars and DNA analysis to monitor the Manchurian wapiti population. These methods provide crucial data on their behavior and population dynamics, forming a solid foundation for developing effective protection strategies.
The dedication to conservation is yielding positive results. According to the Chifeng Wild Plant and Animal Protection Association, the latest monitoring indicates that the Manchurian wapiti population across seven reserves in the region has grown to approximately 12,000.
The successful growth of the Manchurian wapiti population not only reflects the effectiveness of current conservation measures but also underscores the importance of continued efforts to protect this species and its natural habitat.
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Infrared cameras capture wild deer battling for territory and mates
cgtn.com
