Populations of flagship species of wildlife in China have continued growing, and the habitats and breeding environment have been steadily improved, said the National Forestry and Grassland Administration ahead of the 12th World Wildlife Day, which falls on Monday.
The World Wildlife Day was designated by the United Nations in 2013 to enhance awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora. In China, this year's theme is "increase investment in species protection and build a community of life on Earth."
China boasts rich biodiversity, with approximately 3,100 species of terrestrial vertebrates and over 130,000 named insects. The country is also home to more than 38,000 higher plant species, including over 4,000 rare and endangered wild plants.
In recent years, China has constantly refined its legal framework for wildlife protection, implementing nationwide projects for wildlife conservation, advancing the construction of national botanical gardens, and prioritizing the development of a natural protected area system centered around national parks. These efforts have led to a sustained growth in the populations of flagship wildlife species.
The latest monitoring data indicates significant progress in the conservation of key species.
The wild population of giant pandas has increased from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900. The snow leopard population has rebounded to over 1,200 individuals. The numbers of Amur tigers and leopards have risen from 27 and 42, respectively, at the inception of the national park system pilot in 2017 to around 70 and 80 each. The Asian elephant population has grown from over 150 to more than 300, while the population of crested ibises has surged from seven to over 7,000 since their initial discovery.
Species like the Hainan gibbon and Tibetan antelope have also shown noticeable growth in their respective population in the wild. Meanwhile, a total of 206 endangered plant species have successfully been reintroduced into the wild, with several plant species having benefited from effective conservation and recovery measures.
Populations of flagship wildlife species in China see steady increase
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
