XI'AN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- A leopard was spotted in a forest area in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, according to the Yingzuishi Nature Reserve.

Infrared cameras have captured the images of a leopard twice in the core protected region of the nature reserve at about 2,500 meters above sea level, the first time in 40 years for Zhen'an County where the nature reserve is administered.

Bu Shuhai, professor of Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, concluded that the spotted wild cat was a healthy adult.

Bu added that leopards, as top predators, mostly live in mountains and hills, and their settlement and migration indicate the overall ecological conditions of the area.

Since 2019, Yingzuishi Nature Reserve has set up 14 infrared cameras and captured the images of many animal species that are under priority national protection, such as the takin, musk dear, black bear, and goral. Enditem