MRS Nature Protection| A Encounter with Rare Creatures at Mount Siguniang

“Riding a spotted leopard, followed by a decorated lynx; the magnolia chariot with a laurel flag,” Qu Yuan’s “Nine Songs: The Mountain Spirit” not only paints a fantastical scene but also envisions the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Today, on the pristine, secluded lands of Mount Siguniang, this vision is slowly unfolding into a breathtaking reality.

Imprint: Tracing the Snow Leopard’s Footsteps Once Again

In November 2022, MRS, in collaboration with Wang Dongrui, an engineer from the Sichuan Academy of Environmental Science, launched the “Mount Siguniang Flagship Species Exploration Project.” During this expedition, the team captured footage of two wild snow leopards—”Mr. S” and “Broken Tail”—for the first time in Mount Siguniang.

In November 2023, with unwavering dedication, the project team returned to Changping Valley in Mount Siguniang, establishing new biodiversity observation sites and continuing the search for snow leopard traces, embarking on a new chapter of ecological exploration.

“What Are We Looking For?”

The Symphony of Life: Dancing with Nature

In the early summer of 2024, as greenery once again blanketed the valleys of Mount Siguniang, the research team returned to the biodiversity observation sites. The infrared cameras revealed vivid images, each telling a story of life. These precious beings continue to thrive in the embrace of Mount Siguniang.

New Discoveries Captured by Infrared Cameras

blue sheep

On this magical land, blue sheep leap freely, their silhouettes like lively notes on the plateau, finding their tranquil corner in Mount Siguniang.

Red foxes

Red foxes, known for leaving tracks in deserts, semi-deserts, tundra, forests, and farmland, now add a touch of vitality to Mount Siguniang with their presence.

Snow leopards

Snow leopards have once again graced our sight. The research team confirmed that this snow leopard is a newly identified individual, named “Pangxue.” With this discovery, it has been established that at least three wild snow leopards inhabit Mount Siguniang. These majestic creatures roam elegantly between the snow-capped mountains, like guardians of this sacred land, mysterious and dignified.

The green-tailed pheasant

The green-tailed pheasant, an endemic and rare bird species in China, flaunts its splendid feathers, as beautiful as a rainbow across the sky.

Moreover, Mount Siguniang shelters numerous endangered species, including the blue-winged laughingthrush, yellow-throated marten, blood pheasant, tufted deer, Asiatic black bear, and sambar deer. The blue-winged laughingthrush pauses to sing, the yellow-throated marten darts through the dense forest, blood pheasants gather in small groups, the tufted deer roams leisurely in the woods, the Asiatic black bear leaves its footprints in the forest, and the sambar deer strolls at the intersection of streams and forests. Countless rare species thrive here, showcasing the purest beauty of life in nature.

As the Mount Siguniang Flagship Species Exploration Project continues to deepen, we not only witness the miracles of life but also feel the profound responsibility and mission to protect nature.

Today, the Mount Siguniang Flagship Species Exploration Project—”What Are We Looking For?”—is still ongoing. Let us look forward to the next exploration, where we will continue to write more stories of life and love on this beautiful land!