Infrared cameras in Erguna National Nature Reserve have unveiled a thriving ecosystem in north China's Inner Mongolia, capturing rare glimpses of brown bears marking territory, sables navigating forest trails, and mallards congregating in wetland habitats. Located on the northwestern slopes of the Greater Khingan Mountains, the reserve has reported a 22% increase in mammal sightings this year compared to 2024 data.
Conservationists attribute this growth to sustained habitat restoration projects and anti-poaching patrols initiated in 2022. "The resurgence of apex predators like brown bears indicates improved ecological balance," said reserve director Zhao Wei during a recent press briefing. Environmental authorities plan to expand protected zones by 15% in early 2026 to accommodate growing populations.
This development aligns with China's national biodiversity strategy, which has seen forest coverage in Inner Mongolia increase by 3.8 million hectares since 2020. The findings hold particular significance for climate researchers studying carbon sequestration patterns in northern Asia's boreal forests.
