Conservation is a family matter

Zhao Deling (left) and Sheng Mingfen, not only a couple but also dedicated rangers at Dashahe Nature Reserve in Guizhou province, embark on their daily patrol, donning rubber shoes to navigate the forest terrain. [Photo by Yang Xian/For China Daily]

During the Spring Festival holiday, a family remained steadfast at their post in the Xiannyu Cave (Fairy Cave) management station of the Dashahe Nature Reserve in Guizhou province, celebrating the vacation time doing guard duty. The dedicated couple Zhao Deling and Sheng Mingfen oversee nearly 7,000 mu (466.67 hectares) of protected areas, ensuring the safety of wild animals and greenery.

Dashahe Nature Reserve was established in 1984. With a total area of 26,990 hectares, it is a forest ecosystem nature reserve focusing on the protection of rare and endangered species such as Cathaya argyrophylla (Chun and Kuang) and Trachypithecus francoisi (Black Langur), as well as their natural habitats.

Elevated to a provincial-level nature reserve in 2001 and further upgraded to national-level in May 2018, the reserve's conservation efforts are commendable.

Zhao, 50, serves as a forest ranger in the reserve, while his wife Sheng joined the team in 2020 after another ranger retired.

Located within the Daozhen Gelao and Miao autonomous county in Zunyi city, the management station can be reached by following a winding downhill road to the forest fire prevention checkpoint where Zhao and Sheng are stationed. This checkpoint is a crucial access point to the protected area, requiring round-the-clock surveillance year-round.

As forest rangers, Zhao and Sheng commence their duties at dawn. One is responsible for guarding the checkpoint to prevent unauthorized entry, while the other patrols the forest, navigating 13 river bends. Their tasks include recording the growth and activities of wild flora and fauna, managing waste washed downstream, clearing weeds around boundary markers, signs and infrared camera equipment, and regularly replacing memory cards in the infrared cameras for data collection and retrieval.

Standing at the black langur monitoring point, Zhao Deling (left) and his wife Sheng Mingfen oversee Dashahe Nature Reserve, a vital sanctuary for the primates. [Photo by Yang Xian/For China Daily]

Excluding inclement weather periods, completing one round-trip patrol takes over three hours. Between winter and spring, the river is biting cold, but Zhao steps right in every day, saying, "It's fine once you get used to it".

Although there are no developed roads in the protected area, it still does not stop people from sneaking in. "A momentary lapse can allow people to slip in unnoticed," he adds.

The checkpoint is near Chongqing and during summer, many people arrive to escape the heat. There is an iron gate that cannot fully block the riverbanks. During the non-flood season, it is possible to walk along the shallow riverbeds deep into the core protected area.

The couple can't relax for a moment from dawn until midnight. There are some people who, when told this is a core protection area and entry is prohibited, will leave, but some who don't respect the rules. The ecosystem is frail here and is home to many endangered species. They must report any trespassing to the management station and forcibly escort those people out.

Some people also enter through mountain trails for fishing or hiking. This is why patrols cannot be interrupted for even a moment. Along the way, if they find such individuals, they must persuade them to turn back. This is not only to protect the plant and animal habitat but also to ensure the visitors' safety.

Situated in the Daozhen Gelao and Miao autonomous county in Zunyi city, Dashahe Nature Reserve boasts a rich biodiversity. [Photo by Han Kechao /For China Daily]