Animal

In the heart of the South China Sea, East Island, a small gem among the Xisha Islands (西沙群岛), hides a surprising secret. This 1.7 square kilometer island hosts a population of approximately 400 wild cattle—an enigma that has left scientists scratching their heads. How did such a large group of cattle arrive and survive on a remote, seemingly isolated tropical island? The mystery has lingered, drawing curious researchers into an investigation that uncovered a tale stretching back centuries. East Island, situated in the eastern part of the Xisha Islands, is bathed in tropical sunlight and receives ample rainfall year-round. Its small area, roughly 2400 meters long and 1000 meters wide, is covered in dense vegetation—ideal grazing ground for cattle, as it turns out. The vegetation is robust, consisting of hardy coastal shrubs like Scaevola and hardy silverleaf trees. To preserve this delicate ecosystem, recent efforts have introduced resilient tree species like casuarina and coconut palms, enhancing the island's greenery and providing much-needed erosion control. The flourishing flora supports a diverse animal population, with birds as the island’s primary residents. Flocks of rare seabirds, particularly white-booby birds, have made East Island their home, filling the sky and giving the island an…

In the wild, survival usually favors the strong and ferocious. Creatures with sharp claws, powerful jaws, or immense size dominate the food chain. Yet, there’s one animal that defies this logic—an animal without the physical power of lions, the ferocity of crocodiles, or the massive stature of elephants. Meet the honey badger, a creature renowned not for its size or strength, but for its unrivaled fearlessness. Despite being relatively small and lacking deadly natural weapons, the honey badger is known for its audacity to stand up against much larger predators. But what fuels this seemingly irrational bravery, and how has the honey badger carved out its place in nature’s competitive landscape? The Unassuming Yet Bold Honey Badger Belonging to the weasel family, the honey badger, or "Mellivora capensis," gets its name from its unusual fondness for raiding beehives. These animals are often found tearing through bee nests in search of honey and larvae, ignoring the angry swarm of bees that inevitably follows. With a smooth, tough hide, the honey badger seems nearly immune to bee stings, making the pursuit of honey a common activity for them. Native to regions such as Africa, parts of Asia, and India, honey badgers thrive…

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…

When we think of nature reserves, we often imagine vast expanses dedicated to the protection of diverse wildlife, rich with biodiversity. Countries worldwide have established these sanctuaries to ensure the survival of endangered species, like the rare Pacific green turtles thriving in Costa Rica’s Ostional Wildlife Refuge or the elusive Chinese giant salamanders in Zhangjiajie, Hunan. These reserves create safe havens where creatures can thrive, shielded from the threats of habitat destruction and poaching. However, one reserve stands apart from the rest—Dalian’s Snake Island, a peculiar microcosm where the preservation of life has taken an unusual turn. Instead of a bustling biodiversity hotspot, Snake Island has become a domain for a singular species—the black-browed viper. Here, nature’s balance seems to have tipped in an unexpected direction, leading to an explosion in the population of these serpents. The Proliferation of the Black-Browed Viper Covering just 1.2 square kilometers, Snake Island may not seem like much, but it serves as an ideal habitat for the black-browed viper, a species known for its cold tolerance and potent venom. This small island has transformed into a bustling metropolis for vipers, boasting an astonishing population density of over 20,000 individuals, all of the same species.…

Once revered as the "King of Freshwater Fish" and an emblem of China's rich aquatic biodiversity, the Yangtze white sturgeon’s disappearance raises pressing questions about the future of conservation efforts and the methods we employ to safeguard our natural heritage. But what exactly does extinction mean in this context? Extinction refers to the complete absence of living members of a species in its natural habitat as well as in controlled breeding environments. In contrast, a species can be declared extinct in the wild if individuals exist only in captivity or controlled settings, highlighting the importance of preserving habitats and maintaining biodiversity. The Causes Behind the Disappearance The tale of the Yangtze white sturgeon is one marked by warning signs, many of which have been overlooked. Historically abundant in the Yangtze River, this fish was not only a significant part of the local ecosystem but also a staple for fishermen. However, a combination of factors—overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution—led to its gradual decline. Research indicates that the sturgeon population was still relatively stable in the 1970s, with catches reaching up to 25 tons per year. The turning point came in the early 1980s, when significant environmental changes began to affect the…

The belief that keeping a few geese can effectively ward off snakes has been a long-standing notion in rural folklore. Known for their aggressive demeanor, geese are often seen as fearless protectors, capable of scaring away even the most dangerous intruders, including venomous snakes. But how much truth is there to this? Can geese truly defend against snake threats, or is it just a myth passed down through generations? The Origin of the Snake-Fearing Goose Myth There are several popular explanations for why people believe geese can keep snakes at bay. One of the most widely accepted reasons is the notion that goose droppings contain sulfur-like compounds. These chemicals supposedly harm snakes, causing their skin to rot or forcing them into an aggressive shedding cycle, which weakens their survival ability. According to this theory, snakes instinctively avoid areas where geese reside to protect themselves from these harmful effects. Another reason often cited is the aggressive nature of geese. They are known to have a strong territorial instinct and will attack anything they perceive as a threat. A snake, even with its deadly venom, may be no match for the sharp beak of an angry goose, especially since a well-placed strike…

A Symphony of Seasons: The Enchanting Wetlands of Yancheng (盐城) As the winter season unfolds over the Yellow Sea wetlands (黄海湿地) , a tapestry of golden hues emerges from the lush aquatic grasses. Reeds, canes, and sedges transform into a sea of rippling gold, reminiscent of wheat waves from a bird's-eye view. For Lu Shicheng (吕士成), a renowned ornithologist in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, the autumn and winter months are more than just a change of seasons; they are a celebration of nature's bounty and a testament to the returning avian visitors that he holds dear. Lu Shicheng, the director of the Bird Research Center at the Yancheng Wetland Rare Bird National Nature Reserve, finds his heart swelling with pride as he watches the birds return for the winter. His affection for the season is not just for the scenic beauty but for the birds that grace the skies of Yancheng. "Autumn and winter are my favorites, followed by summer and spring," he shares. "The return of the birds, especially the ones I cherish, is a sight that fills me with joy." The Balancing Act: Economy vs. Ecology The journey to World Heritage status began in 2014 with a series of…

Forty years have passed since the giant panda population hit an all-time low, and the global community of panda experts has been tirelessly working towards a singular goal: to cultivate a self-sustaining population that can thrive in the wild, ensuring a secure future for this wild species. However, two significant obstacles have hindered research into allowing these animals to maintain their numbers independently: a lack of collaborative efforts among various institutions and a disregard for the breeding advice of genetic scientists. Particularly in China, the native home of the panda, breeders have often prioritized the quantity of cubs over their quality, with the funding of competing departments being directly tied to the number of cubs they produce. The Hidden Costs of Human Intervention A long-standing concern has been the health and behavioral issues that arise in captive pandas due to improper breeding methods. These issues not only complicate the breeding process but also make it more challenging for pandas to adapt to the wild. Our recent publication in Scientific Reports adds to the growing body of evidence that human interference in breeding can be detrimental to the animals. In China, where the giant panda conservation efforts are most concentrated, it…

In the verdant valleys of Jiulong Village (久隆村), nestled within the lush landscapes of Fengshan County (凤山县), Hechi City (河池市), a remarkable transformation has taken place. For the elder residents, the sight of the once-barren hills surrounding Bala Mountain (巴腊山) was a stark reminder of the environmental devastation that had occurred in the 20th century. Three catastrophic events had left the area devoid of life, and with it, the local "inhabitants"—the wild macaques—had vanished without a trace. Fast forward to the present, and a heartwarming story unfolds. The macaques, once thought to be gone forever, have made a triumphant return, thanks to the villagers' dedication to ecological restoration. The once desolate hills are now alive with the chatter and playful antics of these primates, and the villagers have found a way to turn this ecological revival into a thriving eco-tourism industry. A Forest's Revival and the Macaques' Homecoming The Bala Mountain, once a silent witness to environmental neglect, is now a haven for the macaques. The villagers, under the guidance of the local party member and environmental advocate, Luo Qiyue (罗起跃), embarked on a journey of reforestation and ecological conservation in 1996. Their efforts have paid off, with over 25,000…

Alpaca farming has emerged as a unique and profitable venture in China's growing agricultural landscape. With a focus on niche markets and premium products, this industry has garnered attention for its multifaceted revenue streams. In regions such as Inner Mongolia’s Xilingol League (内蒙古锡林郭勒盟), farmers like Chi Haitao (迟海涛) have transformed alpaca breeding into a thriving business, bringing significant economic benefits to local communities. The rising interest in alpacas is not just limited to their appeal as adorable animals but extends to their high-value contributions in wool, meat, and tourism markets. A Lucrative Wool Industry One of the primary revenue sources for alpaca farmers is their high-quality wool. Alpaca wool is renowned for its softness, elasticity, and natural sheen, making it a premium material in the global textile market. Unlike sheep wool, alpaca fibers are free of lanolin, which makes them hypoallergenic and more environmentally friendly. Each alpaca can produce between 3 to 5 kilograms of wool annually, and the wool’s market value can range from $50 to $268 per kilogram, depending on the quality. This high demand for alpaca wool places the industry at the forefront of sustainable and luxurious textiles. In particular, alpaca wool’s tensile strength is nearly double…

The Panda’s Evolutionary Success Pandas are undeniably charming, but is adorability a sufficient reason to invest substantial resources in their conservation? Are they doomed to extinction, or are we merely squandering resources on their behalf? To address these questions, it is essential to dispel three common myths about pandas. Myth 1: Pandas Are Evolution’s Dead End Some argue that giant pandas are evolutionary failures because they subsist on bamboo, a low-nutrition, hard-to-digest plant. Bamboo, essentially a form of woody grass, consists of over 90% lignin and cellulose, making it tough and nutritionally poor. This dietary choice might seem like a dead end, but it's crucial to understand the context of this adaptation. Pandas once had a diet more aligned with carnivorous ancestors, but a genetic mutation (Tas1r1 pseudogenization) around 4.2 million years ago made them lose their ability to taste meat. This shift to bamboo, though seemingly impractical, was a strategic move. Bamboo’s abundance and the pandas' ability to evade predators in dense bamboo forests allowed them to exploit a niche with minimal competition. Despite their reliance on bamboo, pandas possess remarkable evolutionary traits to survive on this diet. Their "pseudo-thumb," an evolved wrist bone, enables them to grasp and…