A leopard has been spotted for the first time in a section of a nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, suggesting that the elusive species has expanded its territory within the reserve.
While reviewing footage caught by the infrared cameras, staff at Nangunhe National Nature Reserve recently found images filmed in January showing a leopard with strong physique .
The leopard wanders with composure, while sometimes pausing to observe its surroundings.
Leopards in the reserve have been gradually expanding their movement range over several years. In 2019, footage showed three leopards traveling as a group in the reserve's Gengma area, where the they had not previously been known to visit.
The Nangunhe Reserve protects pristine tropical rainforests that serve as hotspot for biodiversity along China's border with Myanmar.
Elusive leopard captured on camera in southwest China reserve
