White-lipped deer spotted in NW China

LANZHOU -- Infrared cameras in a nature reserve in Northwest China have captured images of over 100 white-lipped deer, a protected animal species in China.

According to camera tapes collected by Gansu Qilianshan National Nature Reserve from October last year to April this year, groups of white-lipped deer were captured walking across mountains and grasslands to look for a new foraging site.

One male and one female deer were also captured drinking water at a brook. Two male deer were captured attacking each other with their horns to compete for mates.

The reserve has so far installed more than 200 infrared cameras to monitor wild animals and their activities since October.

White-lipped deer is under China's highest national-level protection and is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

It is known for the white patches around its muzzle and usually lives at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

"With the restoration of the ecological environment of the Qilian Mountain and increasing protection efforts on wild animals and plants, the habitats of the deer are improving and food supply are rich, that's why we are seeing groups of them," said Ma Duifang, head of the reserve's wildlife survey team.