With its unmatched natural beauty and great diversity, Jiuzhaigou, a mystical territory in southwest China, draws tourists from all around the world. < Mountains varying in elevation from 2,000 to 4,000 meters abound in the 20,000-hectare virgin forest, producing a special ecological setting that offers a refuge for a great variety of uncommon species. Let’s visit five of these unusual wild animals and savor the magic and appeal of nature today in Jiuzhaigou.
National treasure in the forest: giant pandas
Regarding Jiuzhaigou, the giant panda is surely among the star species. Pandas, regarded as China’s national treasure, are simple and rare. Mostly found in Zechawa Gou and Rize Gou, giant pandas in Jiuzhaigou move to the lower altitudes of Shuzheng Gou, Heijiao Gou and Zarugou in winter to avoid the cold. Mostly fed arrow bamboo, giant pandas have a gentle behavior. Though they are active day and night, they are more so during the day than at night. Giant pandas dwell peacefully in the immaculate Jiuzhaigou forests and have grown to be the most brilliant stars of the country.
Desert Cat: High Mountains Hidden Hunter
Jiuzhaigou boasts a recently discovered national-level protected animal: the enigmatic desert cat. True alpine creatures, they mostly live on the alpine meadows between 2,500 and 5,000 meters. Though they are somewhat bigger and have a few short hairs at the end of their ears, which gives their every movement a lovely appeal, desert cats resemble domestic cats in look. Actually, they are top predators, mostly feeding on rodents—also known as the “rodent nemesis”. The secretive behavior of desert cats and their limited population have made few records over the years rare. Finding this species in Jiuzhaigou not only increases the local biodiversity but also offers fresh hints for the protection and study of desert cats.
Antelope: the six images from the Alpine Forests
Rare wild creatures native of China, antelopes—also referred to as “twisted-horned antelope” or “six unimaginable”—are Their short, robust physique and curving horns give them the look of an antelope mixed with a goat. Mostly living in high altitude alpine woods, antelopes find a perfect habitat in Jiuzhaigou’s natural surroundings. During their regular patrols, Jiuzhaigou Scenic region Administration’s ecological rangers have seen antelope numerous times in recent years; occasionally even entire herds of antelope have been seen wandering the scenic region at close range. These results indicate that Jiuzhaigou’s natural surroundings are becoming better, which offers a safer home for endangered species including antelope.
Golden Snub-nosed Monkey: An elegant elf in the mountain life
Speciality species in China are the golden snub-nosed monkey, a mammal of the monkey family of the order Primates. Having a wide range of activities and no set habitation, they are mostly arboreal and hardly descend to the ground. Among the most stunning animals in the Jiuzhaigou forest are golden monkeys with their exquisite fur and refined stance. Mostly depending on plant food, they are quite cold-adaptable. Golden monkeys frequently migrate in groups in the ancient forests of Jiuzhaigou, and their presence not only enhances the biodiversity of Jiuzhaigou but also offers priceless study tools for scientists.
Eurasian otters: freshwater top predators
One of Jiuzhaigou’s native residents, the Eurasian otter is a top freshwater predator depending on freshwater from rivers and lakes. Given their high needs for their habitat and water quality, Eurasian otters are a significant emblem of Jiuzhaigou’s ecological well-being and pure water quality. As Jiuzhaigou’s efforts at environmental protection keep growing, Eurasian otter population has progressively risen in past years. Sometimes visitors in Jiuzhaigou’s picturesque surroundings are lucky enough to see these beautiful animals swimming in the lake or searching for food.
Apart from being great natural treasures, Jiuzhaigou’s five unusual wildlife species are striking illustrations of the harmonic cohabitation of humans and environment. They flourish in this enchanted territory and taken together they create a wonderful symphony of life and environment. Learning about the tales and habitats of these unique wild creatures not only improves Americans’ knowledge and appreciation of the magnificent area of Jiuzhaigou but also motivates them to respect and safeguard environment and life.
