At 4,000m+, it's freezing and the winds are no joke. But that's just another day for the joint team of scientists from the Chinese mainland and Tajikistan, all pumped to track Marco Polo sheep 🐑 atop the majestic High Pamirs.
These legendary sheep, named after the medieval explorer Marco Polo (remember those travel stories?), are the flagship stars of the plateau. Spotting them helps gauge the health of the entire high-altitude ecosystem – since if these sheep thrive, it's a sign the environment is on point.
"Whenever we find suitable habitats, we stop and observe – sometimes we catch sight of just a handful, other times dozens," says Yang Weikang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Every sighting counts!"
Armed with spotting scopes, GPS trackers, and a passion for conservation, the team braves bitter winds to map out migration routes, record herd sizes, and collect crucial data. This cross-border collab helps both sides share insights and strengthen conservation strategies.
Why it matters:
- Conservation Spotlight: Marco Polo sheep are an ecosystem indicator – think of them as nature's health bar. ❤️
- High-Tech Meets High Altitude: Using scopes and GPS gear to gather on the ground intel – just like field research in your favorite sci-fi flick! 🎥
- Cross-Border Teamwork: United by a love for wildlife, researchers from the Chinese mainland and Tajikistan show how collaboration can power conservation. 🤝
Whether you're an eco-geek, adventure seeker, or just care about our planet, this story is a reminder that teamwork and tech can make a huge difference – no matter how high the peak!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
