Biodiversity protection in China and France

The Chongzuo White-Headed Langur National Nature Reserve is located in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It spans approximately 75 kilometers from east to west and 48 kilometers from north to south, consisting of four discontinuous mountain areas. These four mountain areas are home to a highly precious and unique animal — the white-headed langur.

With stylish white hair forming crowns on their heads, the white-headed langur is an extremely endangered and recognizable primate species in China. The nature reserve is dedicated to the conservation of the white-headed langur, black langur, and other wildlife, along with the karst mountain forest ecosystems they depend on for survival.

White-headed langurs are born with strikingly golden-orange fur. The adults possess a blackish hue, giving a sharp contrast to their white heads and shoulders. The palette helps them blend well into the color of the karst hills, its natural habitat. Since the nature reserve was established in Chongzuo, the population of the animals has witnessed an increase.

In France, the efforts to protect endangered species are remarkable in the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, located within the Aiguilles Rouges Mountain range in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France. This reserve serves as a sanctuary for the endangered alpine ibex.

Stretched across an area covering parts of the municipalities of Chamonix, Vallorcine, and Les Houches, the reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems and numerous biotopes situated at altitudes ranging between 1,189 to 2,966 meters above sea level. The alpine ibex's exceptional climbing abilities are finely attuned to its mountainous habitat, enabling it to traverse the rugged terrain with ease.

Characterized by a robust physique, the alpine ibex features a sturdy neck and strong legs with short metapodials. Its wide, shortened snout sets it apart from most other wild goats. Adaptations for climbing include sharp, well-separated hooves and a rubbery callus beneath the front feet, facilitating agile movement across rocky surfaces.