Sanjiangyuan, located in the southern part of Qinghai Province, is the source of three major rivers in China: the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Lancang River. Its elevation ranges from 3,300 to 6,500 meters, and it serves as an important ecological barrier in China. The region's climate is classified as a highland continental climate, with distinct dry and wet seasons, minimal annual temperature variations, significant daily temperature fluctuations, abundant sunshine, substantial radiation, and a lack of clearly defined seasons. Apart from minor areas of forest and wetlands, grasslands comprise the most widespread ecosystem type in Sanjiangyuan. Among these, alpine meadows cover the largest area, followed by alpine steppes. The region is home to a variety of wildlife species, including wolves, brown bears, and Eurasian lynx. This habitat is of great importance for snow leopard conservation.
Conservation Challenges
Raising livestock provides the primary livelihood for the herder communities in Sanjiangyuan. However, grassland degradation driven by domestic livestock overgrazing and exacerbated by climate change is threatening both livelihoods and the wildlife of the region. Because of its aridity and altitude, Sanjiangyuan is a fragile ecosystem highly vulnerable even to subtle changes in temperature and rainfall regimes. Over the last several decades the Sanjiangyuan has warmed at nearly twice the rate of other landscapes, with consequent alterations to hydrological regimes and vegetation. These changes have altered the distribution and abundance of pasture suitable for grazing, increasingly bringing herdsmen into areas critically important for wildlife. As these areas have been colonized, the contact between wild ungulates and domestic livestock has increased, along with a concomitant increase in the amount of fencing, grazing pressure and potential for disease transmission. This situation has further escalated the human-wildlife conflict, and the competition between livestock and wild animals.
Conservation Approach
We collaborate with local NGOs, including the Shanshui Conservation Center, to facilitate community involvement in safeguarding significant snow leopard habitats. We provide capacity-building support to the Qinghai Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau and the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve for the protection of snow leopard habitats. We also provide protection skills training for frontline and community protection personnel of the local forestry bureau and reserve. This training includes species identification, field rescue, emergency response, project achievement sharing meetings, etc. These efforts support the improvement of local long-term conservation capabilities.