On October 11, 2025, wild red deer descend from the mountains to graze in Keerguti Township in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. To protect and entertain these guests who had come from afar, local herdsmen gave way their pastures for the red deer to forage.

In the early morning, the Keerguti Township of Hejing County was gradually illuminated by the morning light. Facing the morning sun, the red deer, in families, descend from the mountains to graze and drink water. Sometimes they take a stroll, and sometimes they play in groups, adding a touch of vitality to the quiet grassland.

Photo shows red deer forage on the grassland in Keerguti Township, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shen Kailong)

"In autumn, sometimes more than thirty red deer come down to graze, and sometimes about a dozen," said Haxie, a herdsman from Nayingte Village, Keerguti Township, Hejing County. "We welcome them to eat grass with our horses and cattle."

The red deer is a national second-class protected animal, living in high mountains, forests or grasslands, and feeding on various grasses, leaves, twigs, bark and fruits. In order to allow them to forage, staff members of the local government and herdsmen have specially designated grassland for red deer, and spontaneously patrolled the pasture in their spare time.

Photo shows red deer forage on the grassland in Keerguti Township, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shen Kailong)

Mengkebayer, a staff member of Keerguti Township, Hejing County, said: "We often pass through the pastures when we work, and can see these red deer and the cattle and sheep of herdsmen foraging together in the pasture. At the same time, we will also publicize the protection of wild animals to local herdsmen and passing drivers, and call on everyone to live in harmony with them."

Located in the northeastern part of Hejing County and surrounded by mountains, Kerguti Township is home to a large number of wild animals. In recent years, the local area has continuously increased its efforts in environmental protection, and herdsmen have controlled the number of livestock breeding and grazing times according to the area of the grassland and seasonal changes, which has expanded the living space for wild animals. The number of rare wild animals such as brown bears, red deer, and foxes has increased significantly.

Photo shows red deer sometimes take a stroll, and sometimes they play in groups, adding a touch of vitality to the quiet grassland. (Photo by Shen Kailong)

Qinggele, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and head of Keerguti Township in Hejing County, said, "As a national public forest area, Keerguti Township has 80,000 hectares of grassland and 14,666 hectares of forest. More than 80 species of wild animals live here, including more than 20 species of animals such as brown bears, red deer, and ibex, which are all national key protected animals. On the one hand, we guide herdsmen to adjust the number of livestock according to the season to achieve a balance between grass and livestock. In recent years, the natural forest has increased by more than 3,333 hectares. On the other hand, we visit households to publicize and explain the ecological concept to the herdsmen. At the same time, we strengthen forest fire prevention and the frequency of mountain patrols to protect the wild animals living on this grassland."

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