International Day for Biological Diversity: A veteran ranger's farewell to Mao'er Mountain in Guilin

Several times a week, Wang Huasheng, who has spent more than half of his life as a forest ranger, laces up his boots, slings on a backpack, and sets out on a six-hour trek deep into Mao'er Mountain with his colleague. He's been walking these paths for decades.

Forest fire prevention, monitoring wildlife and stopping illegal logging and poaching –  these are all part of his daily routine.

"For safety reasons, we're required to patrol in pairs," Wang explains to CGTN. "The trails are muddy, it rains often, and it's easy to get lost – it's much safer when two people go together.

"In three months, I'll retire," he says, glancing around at the dense forest. "But I hope I can come back every year to visit the trees I planted."

Mao'er Mountain, the highest peak in South China and the origin of the Li River, serves as a vital ecological barrier in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Known as the "heart" of the Li River, the mountain is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its rich, pristine ecosystem. It is now a nationally recognized model nature reserve. 

"This area is one of China's biodiversity hotspots and a key terrestrial biodiversity region of international significance – an essential part of the Nanling Mountains," explains Tang Zhongxiang, director of the nature reserve administration office. "The reserve primarily protects native subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, nationally protected species of flora and fauna, and the water conservation forests at the headwaters of the Li River."

Every two months, Wang collects the memory cards from infrared cameras and brings them back to the monitoring station. "We often capture footage of the silver pheasant, which is known to inhabit only remote, well-preserved mountain forests with intact ecosystems," he told CGTN.

Ongoing scientific research within the reserve has led to the discovery of several new species. In 2013, a new plant species, Euphorbia maoershanensis, was found, followed by the discovery of a new amphibian, Leptobrachella maoershanensis, in 2017. In 2020, two more plant species – Sedum nanlingense and Impatiens subglandulifera – were identified. Most recently, in 2024, another new plant species, Rabdosia maoershanensis, was discovered. Nowadays, the reserve is home to 12 nationally protected Class I wild animal species and 60 Class II species, according to the local authority.

The Li River, known as one of the most beautiful rivers in China, flows with crystal-clear water through Guilin's famed karst landscapes. Two karst sections of Guilin have even earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

But just a few decades ago, conservation wasn't part of the local vocabulary. "People didn't understand what ecological protection meant," said Wang. "They just focused on cutting bamboo and trees."

When the mountain was closed for forest regeneration, many villagers were confused or opposed the move. In response, the reserve launched public education campaigns. Over the past decade, staff have distributed materials, given lectures at local schools, and raised awareness of wildlife protection laws and fire prevention. Gradually, people's mindsets shifted – illegal logging faded, and many locals even became active participants in forest protection.

For communities at the foot of the mountain, conservation has opened a new chapter. In Gaozhai Village, home to about 1,200 residents, more than half of the 300 households now earn income through ecotourism – running homestays and rural guesthouses. Where illegal logging once offered a narrow livelihood, sustainable tourism has created a greener and more prosperous future.