Manas County Infrared Cameras Capture Wildlife Recovery
Infrared cameras deployed across the southern mountainous region of Manas County in Xinjiang have captured frequent activity among wildlife populations, including herds of ibex, Tianshan wapiti, and wolves, according to a report by China News Service Xinjiang. Forestry workers from the Manas Nanshan Branch of the Xinjiang Tianshan Eastern State-owned Forest Administration Bureau retrieved and processed the field data to assess regional biodiversity.
The monitoring footage records herds of state-protected blue sheep, or ibex, foraging along steep cliffs. Adult ibex guide their young through rock crevices to practice climbing and jumping skills required for high-altitude survival. Officials noted that the multiple captures of mothers with offspring indicate a healthy ecosystem with minimal human interference and ample food resources.
Population Growth and Balanced Food Webs
Abudulla Yasin, head of the forest conservation department at the Manas Nanshan Branch, stated that long-term infrared monitoring shows a steady population increase among the southern mountainous ibex. Groups ranging from a dozen to more than 20 animals now appear regularly in the recorded footage.
Footage of Tianshan wapiti and wolves alongside the herbivores demonstrates the presence of a complete and stable food chain. The southern mountains of Manas County span 2.57 million mu, including 870,000 mu of forest land. Rugged terrain and deep valleys across the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains create diverse habitats that support these overlapping species.
Ongoing Habitat Protection Efforts
The management bureau plans to expand its monitoring network by installing additional infrared camera points. Abudulla Yasin stated that the agency will combine the hardware expansion with routine patrols, forest fire prevention, and wildlife protection campaigns to maintain a secure environment for species along the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains.
Worth a look