Deep within China’s Qilian Mountain National Park, a dedicated team of four young conservationists is making a significant impact on wildlife preservation. Nestled at the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, the park is home to thousands of rare species, including snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, and bharals.
Leading the team is Ma Cunxin, head of the wildlife rehabilitation and breeding station. His passion for wildlife began in childhood. “As a child, I loved small animals. So, I chose to study biology at university. During several field expeditions with my tutor, I developed a great fondness for wild animals,” he shared.
Together, Ma and his team have achieved remarkable successes in monitoring and rescuing wildlife. “We’ve set up cameras to monitor various ecosystems. One camera captured five snow leopards in a single image, and another, six Pallas’s cats. We’ve also filmed Chinese mountain cats breeding at the highest altitude ever recorded. These are significant achievements for us,” said Ma.
The team’s work is not without challenges. Stationed in a remote location at the park’s center, they face harsh environments and a tiring daily routine. “Many of the wild animals we find can’t be saved. We feel quite helpless. It’s heart-breaking,” expressed Xu Fengyi, a ranger at the station.
Despite familial expectations and the demanding nature of their work, the rangers find profound meaning in their efforts. “This isn’t the career path my family wanted me to follow. There is, as they say, little future in it. But I think the meaning of life is different for everyone,” reflected Zhu Hongyi, another team member.
The joy of witnessing an animal’s recovery fuels their commitment. “When an injured animal is rehabilitated and returned to nature through the hard work of our staff, it makes me feel wonderful to be part of this process,” remarked Ma Jinglin, a member of the station.
The dedication of these young rangers plays a crucial role in protecting the biodiversity of Qilian Mountain National Park. Their story underscores the importance of conservation efforts and inspires others to contribute to the preservation of wildlife.
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Young rangers guard wildlife in northwest China's national park
cgtn.com
