The North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis), an endangered species in China, has been under protection in Shanxi province since it was found in Taihang Mountains several years ago.

The North China leopard protection program was initiated in 2006 by the Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance (CFCA), a nongovernmental organization (NGO) committed to offering ways to protect felids in China through fieldwork and research.

Four volunteers of?the Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance (CFCA)?pose for a group photograph while patrolling in Taihang Mountains in Jinzhong on Nov 13. [Photo/sxrb.com]

CFCA installed a field monitoring network in the Taihang Mountains to learn about the living environment and habits of the North China leopard there. Through observation and data analysis over the past eight years, it has furthered the understanding of the leopard population in the mountains.

The organization has also encouraged volunteers to join in the program. A team made up of local villagers was established to regularly patrol the forest where these leopards live and prevent illegal hunting in the region.

Cheng Yongxiang (L), a member of a patrol team which consists of five villagers in Heshun county, simulates the movements of a North China leopard in Taihang Mountains to help a volunteer of CFCA adjust the shooting angle of a remotely activated camera, Nov 14. [Photo/news.cn]

There are now more than 13 North China leopards in the mountain area and at least three of them are female, according to the investigation and research of CFCA.

A North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) walks along rocks at dawn in Taihang Mountains in Jinzhong. The scene was captured on May 19 by a camera trap which was set by CFCA. [Photo/sxrb.com]