Pandering to a wild style of life

"Because of natural reasons and human activities, like building roads and developing scenic spots, wild pandas are divided into small populations, which adversely influences their reproduction."

As a result, pandas are still in need of protection. He points out that means more than just safeguarding the pandas, but also their habitat and all of its other flora and fauna.

"The panda is an umbrella species. Protecting it can indirectly protect many other species, like the golden monkey that make up the ecological community of its habitat."

He Liwen embarked on his conservation journey when he was assigned to work at the reserve after graduating as a forestry major in 1996. The giant panda management office where he works is responsible for patrolling the reserve, monitoring the status of the wild animals, saving injured creatures and promoting awareness of the importance of animal protection.

"We patrol once a month, to check for, and deter, poaching in the reserve. We also check the activity and distribution of the animals, based on images caught by infrared cameras we have set throughout the reserve, as well as collecting hair and feces for analysis."