Conservation spurs North China leopard resurgence in Shanxi

During a leisurely drive at dusk through the mountainous landscape of Qinyuan county, Shanxi province on June 10, nature enthusiast Li Pengfei found himself face-to-face with one of nature's most elusive creatures, the North China leopard.

A photo of a North China leopard taken by an infrared camera in Heshun county, Shanxi province. SONG DAZHAO/FOR CHINA DAILY

The distance between him and the rare wildcat was several meters, yet the moment felt timeless. His heart raced with a mix of exhilaration and reverence as he observed the majestic feline, its eyes initially wary and guarded. However, as the seconds ticked by, the leopard seemed to sense no threat, its demeanor gradually softening before it disappeared back into the forest.

This sighting is just one of many recent records of this endangered species documented in the lush landscapes of Shanxi. It serves as further evidence of the increasing population and expanding habitats of the North China leopard in this northern province.

The North China leopard, or Panthera pardus japonensis, a subspecies unique to China, is an animal under first-class State protection. Historically, its numbers had dwindled due to ecological degradation and human encroachment, pushing it to the brink of extinction.

Yet, recent studies by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration's Feline Research Center indicate a promising resurgence, with nearly 680 leopards now roaming Shanxi alone, the largest population among all of the country's province-level regions.

The increase in sightings is attributed to the concerted efforts in wildlife conservation across China. Since 2020, Shanxi has been at the forefront, implementing the "North China Leopard Protection Project". This initiative has significantly enhanced the natural habitats of these leopards, providing them with the necessary conditions to flourish once again.

Song Dazhao, a passionate advocate for feline preservation and co-founder of the China Feline Conservation Alliance, an NGO focused on the scientific research and protection of wildcat species in China, said, "These conservation efforts are the primary reason behind the remarkable resurgence of the leopard population in the wild."

Song's dedication is evident in his iconic photograph capturing a mother leopard and her cubs walking beneath a wind turbine. The image, a testament to the delicate balance of nature and technology, was no stroke of luck. It was the culmination of meticulous planning, involving strategically placed infrared-triggered cameras and the unwavering patience of Song's team, who have been embedded in local communities in Heshun county for 18 years.

Xiao Shibai, a photographer specializing in infrared camera technology, said, "For me, the photograph highlights how Song and his colleagues have gained profound insights into the distribution and behavior patterns of North China leopards in Heshun. Their work is truly solid."

Heshun, which is one of the major distribution areas of the leopard in Shanxi, has implemented an "ecological compensation" program since 2016, budgeting for incidents where leopards prey on livestock. This initiative ensures that local communities are compensated for losses.

As a result, monitoring data reveals a stable population of about 40 adult North China leopards in Heshun.

According to Song, who has focused his organization's conservation work in the county, the leopards are thriving, with 10 to 20 cubs born annually, signaling a robust and self-sustaining population.

Reporter: Zhu Xingxin and Chen Liang