As temperatures plunged below -20°C in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a family of argali, a nationally protected Class-II species, was spotted grazing in the Gobi grassland near Karamay. The herd was seen trekking through snow, foraging beneath the ice and keeping watch across the open terrain. The rare sight highlights the results of long-term ecological restoration in Karamay. Ongoing desert control and the planting of native shrubs like red willow and saxaul have improved habitats, allowing wildlife to return and thrive on the Gobi.