Rare leopards reappear in habitats as conservation efforts improve

TAIYUAN: The North China leopards, once on the edge of extinction, have been spotted again in their mountainous habitats near Beijing after more than two decades, according to wildlife protection groups.

The Chinese leopard is classified as a national first-class protected animal in China.

It was once widely found in Beijing, the provinces of Hebei and Shanxi, and other parts of north China. However, in the second half of the 20th century, deforestation and rampant illegal hunting led to a sharp decrease in the number of the rare species.

As of 2008, their population had reduced to fewer than 500, while their living area had declined by 80%, according to an estimation.

Since November 2012, the endangered species has been repeatedly spotted in their traditional habitats in Hebei province thanks to the conservation efforts in the region.

Most recently, a Chinese leopard was spotted in Hebei Tuoliang National Nature Reserve, according to Huang Qiaowen of the Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, which specialises in the protection of wild cats in China.

“Twenty years ago, these big cats almost vanished in the mountains near Beijing. Now they have found their way back. This is really good news, ” said Song Dazhao, former chairman of the organisation. — Xinhua