57 snow leopards recorded: Qinghai reserve emerges as key habitat

A recent systematic scientific survey of the snow leopard population and their habitat in the Qinghai Datong Beichuanhe River Source National Nature Reserve identified 57 individual snow leopards, with a population density of 3.35 per 100 square kilometers. This data confirms the reserve as a critical habitat for snow leopards.

Located in Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, the reserve covers 107,900 hectares (about one-third of the county's area) and serves as the source of the Beichuan River, playing a vital role in climate regulation, water conservation and ecological balance.

In 2024, the survey deployed 89 infrared cameras across 40 grid cells in the core area, combining methods like camera trapping, trace surveys and molecular fecal analysis. The study also used species distribution models and spatial mark-recapture models. The survey covered four ranger stations: Niuchang, Dongxia, Qinglin and Baoku.

The results show that snow leopards are distributed across all four management stations in the reserve. Among the 57 identified individuals, there are 43 adults, 3 sub-adults and 11 cubs, including 10 snow leopard families. This indicates a widespread presence and frequent activity of a healthy population within the reserve, reflecting the effectiveness of local conservation efforts and a well-balanced ecosystem. Furthermore, the survey recorded 76 terrestrial wildlife species in total, including 5 species under national first-class protection and 17 under national second-class protection. In addition to snow leopards, infrared cameras captured four other sympatric feline species: desert cats, lynxes, Pallas's cats and leopard cats, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity and significant conservation value.

Reporters: Liu Cheng, Ma Yahui, Lei Zhenglong