The Guardians of Wuliang Mountain (无量山)
On October 24, in celebration of International Gibbon Day, a unique event unfolded at the Wuliang Mountain-Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province. The Jingdong (景东) Management Bureau welcomed a group of special guests: the firefighters from the Jingdong squad of the Pu’er City (普洱市) Forest Brigade.
This visit marked the beginning of an enlightening expedition focused on the endangered black-crowned gibbon, aimed at deepening their understanding of this incredible species while fostering a commitment to protecting the local ecosystem.
Discovering Biodiversity in the Reserve
The adventure began at the specimen exhibition hall, where the firefighters, led by Tian Yinglan (田应兰), the head of the community education department at the Jingdong Management Bureau, embarked on a guided tour. The exhibit featured a variety of specimens, each telling its own story about the rich ecology of Wuliang Mountain. From the armored pangolins to the agile Indochinese gray langurs, and from the robust Chinese goral to the swift white pheasants, every displayed animal captured the diversity and fragility of their shared habitat.
Among the exhibits, a particularly striking specimen caught everyone’s attention: a black-crowned gibbon. Director Luo Youyong (罗有勇) of the Jingdong Management Bureau shared the poignant story behind this young gibbon, which fell from a height of 40 meters in Wuliang Mountain's Dazhaizi (大寨子) area on June 7, 2012. Despite the efforts of its mother to rescue it, the injured gibbon was discovered by the reserve staff too late and tragically passed away from its injuries. This heart-wrenching tale is not only a reminder of the challenges faced by these remarkable creatures but also stands as the first documented case of a black-crowned gibbon falling in the wild and receiving rescue attempts.
Raising Awareness for a Critically Endangered Species
Following the poignant exhibition, the firefighters participated in an educational session centered on the black-crowned gibbons. Tian elaborated on their arboreal nature, explaining that these primates seldom descend to the ground, spending most of their lives in the treetops. As a first-class protected species in China and one of the most endangered primates globally, black-crowned gibbons primarily inhabit areas in Yunnan, including Wuliang Mountain and Ailao Mountain.
Tian outlined the various threats these gibbons face, including habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. She urged everyone to pay attention to endangered species and to contribute to the protection of their ecosystems. The enthusiasm among the firefighters was palpable, as they expressed their newfound commitment to environmental conservation.
This event not only enriched the firefighters’ knowledge of the black-crowned gibbon but also heightened their ecological awareness. The attendees voiced a shared determination to engage more actively in conservation efforts, aiming to protect the beautiful landscapes of Wuliang Mountain and its inhabitants. They envisioned rallying the community around the cause, inspiring others to join in the effort to safeguard the fragile balance between humanity and nature.
Building a Community for Conservation
As the day progressed, the firefighters reflected on their roles as stewards of the environment. They recognized that their work goes beyond firefighting; it also encompasses the duty to protect and preserve the natural world. This journey into the heart of the reserve served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the responsibility that comes with it.
In the spirit of International Gibbon Day, the firefighters’ visit symbolized a collective movement towards safeguarding wildlife. Through their actions, they hope to cultivate a broader awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need for collaborative conservation efforts. The black-crowned gibbon, once a distant and elusive creature, became a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that with dedication and passion, the preservation of our natural heritage is possible.
