Argali roam the mountain wilderness of Karamay-TIANSHANNET-天山网

Photo taken on January 17, 2026 shows argalis, a species under second-class state protection in China, wander through the snow-clad mountain wilderness in the northern suburbs of Karamay City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Min Yong)

In recent years, Karamay has continuously intensified its efforts to combat desertification in the central urban area and its outskirts. The city has launched a series of ecological restoration projects, including the rehabilitation of historically abandoned mining sites. By implementing measures such as reducing human intervention, enforcing grazing bans and enclosures, and introducing ecological vegetation restoration techniques — including the planting of desert plants like tamarisk, saxaul, and camelthorn — the spread of desertification has been curbed. These efforts have created natural conditions for wildlife to thrive and reproduce. What were once barren mining areas and Gobi have now become a paradise for wildlife such as argali, foxes, and golden eagles.

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