Authorities in Yinjiang, a county in southwest China's Guizhou Province, have been working to raise public awareness of wild species protection, with efforts made so far leading to a notable increase in the population of mandarin ducks and better prospects for some rare plant species.
In early autumn, the Chaoyang Reservoir in Qu'gou Village, nestled in the mountainous terrain of Banxi Township, is a thriving habitat for mandarin ducks, an animal which receives second-level protection under China's wildlife protection laws.
According to reservoir patrol staff and forest rangers, the number of ducks observed this year has exceeded 100, the highest count in nearly a decade.
"To protect the mandarin ducks, we've closed off surrounding forest areas for reforestation and organized regular patrols. We also promote awareness of wildlife protection laws to improve public understanding," said Wu Yu, head of the forestry and environmental protection station at Banxi.
In Tujia and Miao autonomous county a range of measures to safeguard wild flora and fauna have been implemented, including field inspections, joint law enforcement operations, and public education campaigns. These initiatives aim to strengthen ecological defenses and promote harmony between humans and nature.
In Xinping Village, located in Xinzai Township, a dense cluster of taxus mairei trees, or Maire's yew, is thriving. The trees, known for their slow growth and particular environmental requirements, are flourishing under first-class protection in the region's favorable conditions.
"There are many taxus mairei trees. There are nearly 20 to 30 taxus mairei trees with trunk diameters between 10 and 20 centimeters. Everyone knows this is a valuable timber, and we all have a duty to protect it," said Wu Zongxing, a forest ranger.
Local authorities have established nature reserves and ecological corridors, implemented reforestation programs, and designated protected zones for rare and ancient trees.
Meanwhile, forest rangers conduct regular patrols and community outreach to ensure continued protection of biodiversity.
Guizhou's conservation efforts lead to thriving wild fauna, flora
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
