A series of smart technologies have been integrated into wildlife biodiversity conservation efforts at the Foping National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, home to the world's largest wild panda population.
In the Qinling Mountains, a range that forms a natural boundary between north and south China, infrared cameras provide constant monitoring of the diverse wildlife.
Over 300 cameras have been installed in the Foping National Nature Reserve, which lies withing the mountains, covering 41 grids. Each year, they capture hundreds of thousands of images, providing invaluable firsthand data for species conservation.
"Currently, the number of wild giant pandas monitored through infrared cameras is steadily increasing, and we have also recorded the frequent activities of accompanying animals, such as pandas with their cubs, black bears mating, and leopards appearing together," said Jia Qi, deputy director of the nature reserve's Yueba Station.
At the same time, drones equipped with high-definition cameras and thermal imaging devices act as flexible "aerial guards." They can monitor forest fire prevention, track animal migration patterns in winter, and extend to forest pest and disease monitoring, thereby enhancing ecological protection efficiency in a comprehensive manner.
"Drone patrols can cover remote mountainous areas that are difficult for humans to access. In recent years, these patrols have revealed that the bamboo forests are thriving, providing a stable habitat for the reproduction and survival of giant pandas," said Zhou Gang, senior forestry engineer at the Shaanxi Foping National Nature Reserve Administration.
In addition, the reserve's intelligent management platform serves as the "central nervous system," capable of analyzing species populations and activity patterns while allowing for one-click updates of monitoring information.
This platform also integrates multi-dimensional data, including meteorological, soil, and species information, and displays the real-time tracking and safety status of patrolling personnel.
Northwest China reserve integrates smart technologies into biodiversity conservation
Northwest China reserve integrates smart technologies into biodiversity conservation
