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Herders Become Wildlife Guardians in China's Vast National Park
30 Oct
Summary
- Herders in Sanjiangyuan National Park now act as photographers and wildlife guardians.
- Sanjiangyuan is China's largest and highest national park, guarding three major river headwaters.
- Photographs by herders are now featured in documentaries and exhibitions, raising conservation awareness.
In Northwest China's Qinghai province, herders like Sangdrup are becoming frontline wildlife protectors within Sanjiangyuan National Park. Established five years ago, this park is the largest and highest in China, covering 190,700 square kilometers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is vital for conserving the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers.
Sangdrup, a 32-year-old Tibetan, now uses his camera to document flora and fauna during his patrols. His efforts, shared with 20,800 other herders hired as rangers, contribute to vital conservation work. These herders have aided in rescuing numerous wild animals, including snow leopard cubs.
Sanjiangyuan is a crucial habitat for snow leopards, with an estimated population of around 1,002 individuals. These elusive cats, listed as vulnerable globally, receive top national protection in China, which hosts about 60 percent of their world habitats.
The herders' dedication extends beyond patrols; their photographic work has gained acclaim. A documentary partly filmed by local herders won a major award at the 36th China Golden Rooster Awards in 2023. An exhibition showcasing 100 images by ecological photographers and rangers was also recently held.
Over the past five years, national parks like Sanjiangyuan have seen significant conservation gains. Measures including habitat restoration and stricter regulations have led to clearer rivers and rebounding wildlife populations, such as Tibetan antelopes, which have grown from under 20,000 to over 70,000.
