A snow leopard, a wild species under China's national first-class protection, was caught with her cub by an infrared camera in the Gahai-Zecha National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Gansu Province.
In the footage collected recently by the nature reserve staff, the two snow leopards are strolling leisurely through the snow in single file. The curious mother approached the camera lens, followed by her cub, estimated to be about one year old, who sniffed at the device.
These are the first such images ever recorded in this conservation area since the reserve initiated snow leopard monitoring in 2018, offering scientists never-before-seen insights into how these endangered cats live and raise their young in this region.
Snow leopards are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In recent years, the Gahai-Zecha National Nature Reserve has intensified efforts in biodiversity conservation. Through measures including optimizing eco-environment monitoring network systems and conducting public awareness campaigns, the reserve has created favorable habitats for snow leopards and their prey, significantly enhancing the stability of its ecosystem.
The latest data from the National Forest and Grassland Administration indicates the sustained growth of China's snow leopard population, with the number of monitored individuals exceeding 1,200.
Rare snow leopards caught on camera in northwest China
Rare snow leopards caught on camera in northwest China
China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Tuesday emphasized the importance of upholding international rules, saying that the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has lasted for over a hundred days, has severely impacted the regional and international situation.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security held in New Delhi, India.
He said that the recent signing of the first phase of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, along with the conflict, has made many things clear to us.
The first is the importance of upholding international rules, Wang said at Tuesday's conference.
"The settlement of any international and regional hotspot issues should be based on abiding by international rules. The law of the jungle may succeed for a while, but it is not sustainable," he said.
The second is the importance of respecting national sovereignty, Wang said, adding that territorial integrity shall not be violated and a country's internal affairs shall not be interfered with. This is the most basic bottom line of international justice, he noted.
The third point is the importance of establishing a new vision of security, Wang said.
"Countries are increasingly becoming a community with a shared future. The practice of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of others will only backfire," he said.
The Chinese top diplomat said that the fourth is to understand the significance of new forms of war. Unconventional warfare, such as information warfare and cyber warfare, has become more visible in recent conflicts. Facing interwoven traditional and non-traditional security threats, it is the right time for BRICS countries to enhance dialogue and cooperation on security affairs.
China's top diplomat stresses int'l rules at BRICS meeting
