Comprehensive surveys

The distribution of Chinese pangolins in Shenzhen remained relatively unclear until December 2019 when the first images of a Chinese pangolin were captured in Dapeng New District, sparking targeted research on the animal in the area.

Subsequently, sightings have been recorded in areas such as Pingshan, Yantian and Longgang in Shenzhen. However, the latest documented sighting in Luohu before the recent finding dates back to the 1980s.

Since 2022, the Shenzhen Ecology and Environment Bureau has coordinated biodiversity surveys and assessments in all districts of the city. Huang joined the surveys in Luohu last year.

Following a plan to conduct surveys in key areas annually and citywide every five years, Huang said, the Luohu bureau has utilized the Geological Information System to divide the survey area into 1 square kilometer grids, trying to figure out the distribution of rare and endangered species, key protected species and region-specific species.

"Our aim is to gradually uncover the biodiversity 'inventory' of the district through comprehensive grid-based surveys," Huang said.

Wen Chujun, one of a dozen members of the team, said that the survey in Luohu mainly focused on the Wutong Mountain National Scenic Area, Yinhushan Country Park and Honghu Park. Wutong Mountain, with its diverse habitats, is a key area for the survey.

In the survey last year, the team, using infrared-triggered cameras, recorded traces at several locations of the nationally protected species small Indian civet and leopard cat, with other mammals such as the masked palm civet, Chinese ferret-badger and wild boar frequently appearing in footage.