Guardians of the Chinese Giant Salamander’s Core Habitat

From the heights of the Shennong Peak (Shennongding), the Yinyu River Grand Canyon unfurls like a colossal sapphire, cradled within the majestic embrace of Shennongjia. Deep and mysterious, it radiates an enchanting luminescence. Sheer cliffs stretch endlessly along the canyon, while ravines and gullies twist and turn like giant dragons. This intricate and formidable landscape presents an almost insurmountable challenge for conservation efforts.

As August drew to a close, the Shennongding Agency of the Administration of Shennongjia National Park mobilized a dedicated team of rangers from three conservation & management centers to embark on a comprehensive resource patrol in the Yinyu River Grand Canyon, to better safeguard this core habitat for the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). This endeavor transcended mere patrolling; it was a battle for ecological conservation, fraught with difficulties and obstacles.

On the first day of their patrol, the team faced the daunting challenge of scaling steep inclines. Blisters formed on their feet, bursting open and leaving them in excruciating pain. However, united in purpose, the rangers pressed on, supporting one another and sharing the burdens of the injured. With heavy packs strapped to their backs, they trudged along the rugged mountain paths. Despite the arrival of the End of Heat (chushu), the 14th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, the sun blazed mercilessly. Enduring this relentless afterheat, their clothes clung to them, drenched in sweat. Each step forward was a struggle, compounded by the incessant bites and stings of mosquitoes and other insects that followed them like ghosts, leaving unbearable itches in their wake. The mountains, with their unique microclimates, occasionally unleashed sudden torrential downpours, making already muddy paths harder to navigate. When camping at night, the onslaught of mosquitoes became even more distressing. These small invaders seemed to be all-pervasive, with red bumps dotting the bodies of nearly every team member. Even mosquito repellents like Florida Water and Medicated Oil (feng you jing) proved ineffective. The team fought through the night but ultimately was defeated by mosquitoes. However, as dawn broke, they returned to their duties, having no time to attend to other matters.

The rangers had to clamber up the steep cliffs of this deep canyon, where any misstep could plunge them into irreversible peril. They advanced with utmost care and dared not relax in the slightest, fully aware that personal safety was paramount in all actions. Along the way, they also had to wade through a bone-chilling river. Every few steps tempted them to squat down and rest. Heavy backpacks and the slippery moss underfoot made every movement more dangerous. To complicate matters further, the lurking threat of venomous snakes required them to tread carefully with every step. However, buoyed by mutual support, determination, and resolve, they pressed on.

Under the starry night sky, a longing for home stirred within the team. With elderly parents and young children waiting for their return, a sense of obligation welled up within them during their time in this “no-contact zone.” Conversations about family often ended with sighs. Nevertheless, they understood that someone must protect this paradise for future generations, preserving such invaluable natural heritage from being lost in the hands of our generation. This sense of mission weighs heavily on their hearts, driving them to persevere against all odds.

A sanctuary for flora and fauna and a forbidden realm for human activities, the Yinyu River Grand Canyon stands as a top priority in ecological conservation. The rangers, acutely aware of their immense responsibility, covered every inch of this land monthly, safeguarding this tranquil haven with their sweat. Undeterred by hardship and danger, they strive to better protect the ecological environment of the Yinyu River Grand Canyon, ensuring it remains a safe haven for rare species like the Chinese giant salamander.