Precious video evidence of Siberian tigers eating bears was first found in Xiaoxing ‘an Mountains.

The Siberian tiger, known as the "king of the jungle", is a world-class endangered species, which was once widely distributed in the northeast of China. At the beginning of the 20th century, only Xiaoxing ‘anling and Changbai Mountain were distributed in a very small amount. During the scientific investigation in 1980s, the Northeast Tiger was once declared extinct in Xiaoxing ‘anling area. In recent years, with the continuous promotion of ecological protection and restoration, Xiaoxing ‘anling has reappeared the scene of "roaring mountains and forests".

Taipinggou Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang Province is a region where many large and medium-sized wild animals, including brown bears and black bears, are concentrated. In recent years, many Siberian tigers have crossed the river from Russia across a river into Taipinggou, which makes the food chain in the reserve more complicated.

In this area where many kinds of top carnivores are concentrated, with the arrival of the Northeast Tiger, the king of the jungle, the original food chain in the forest area has also undergone natural succession adjustment. With the deepening of the investigation of animal population in the ditch by researchers, many rare phenomena have also been photographed.

Scientific experiments realize individual identification of black bears for the first time.

In the picture, a simple and honest black bear is standing upright like a human being, chasing the food hanging on the rope with his mouth. In this process, the white patterns on their chests are clearly exposed to the infrared camera lens. This is an experiment of individual identification of black bears conducted by researchers. It is understood that the white pattern on the chest of black bears is the only reference to distinguish individuals because of the lack of patterns that are convenient for individual identification. In order to induce them to show the patterns on their chests, the researchers designed the above experimental scheme. This extremely cooperative bear is therefore deeply loved by researchers. However, not long after, this lovely bear was hunted and eaten by the Northeast Tiger.

Zhang Yingxiang, Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Nature Reserve Administration: That bear is actually a pity, because when we were doing a special investigation on black bears and brown bears, there was such a bear in this position that it was very smart, so our experts called it the smartest bear in the world. It is when we give it an experiment, it can climb the tree and follow our rope, just like people command, it is very smart to catch the food. But the laws of nature can’t escape, the law of the jungle.

Tracking the event of tiger eating bear

While regretting the bear, the incident that the tiger ate the bear also attracted the attention of experts. It is understood that the black bear is a beast of nature and rarely encounters natural enemies. Prior to this, there was no video record of black bears being hunted by other animals in China.

Liu Fang, Associate Research Fellow of China Academy of Forestry: Judging from the situation in our country, there is no conclusive evidence that tigers eat black bears in other areas, which is the first time in China.

Professor Peking University Lv Zhi, who has been studying animals for many years, also said it was the first time he heard of it.

Professor Lv Zhi of Peking University Academy of Life Sciences: I really haven’t heard that tigers eat live bears. This is the first time I’ve heard of it.

The reporter made a further investigation into the incident of tigers eating bears. Liu Yanlin is a witness of this process. On the day of the incident, when they were conducting a special study on cats in the woodland, they found the footprints of tigers on the ground and followed them all the way, hoping to make new discoveries.

Liu Yanlin, Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Protected Area Administration: We rushed there, and the bear’s abdomen and the front of its neck were eaten by tigers, and the meat was still steaming.

Zhang Yingxiang and Su Quanyong, colleagues, talked about the scene at that time and still felt scared.

Zhang Yingxiang, Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Nature Reserve Administration: The next day, as usual, when we continued to follow the tiger’s footprints along that road, we found that there were traces of tigers stepping on our footprints down the mountain on the road we walked yesterday. At that time, we felt terrible. Fortunately, there were many people going up the mountain at that time, so it is hard to say whether the Northeast Tiger will attack when there are few people.

Su Quanyong, Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Nature Reserve Administration: The tiger’s lying track was also found on the top of the mountain. I followed the trail of the tiger dragging the bear down and went up to see their fighting scene. After walking some distance, I found a bear barn.

The reporter also repeatedly questioned and verified the evidence beyond the description of the witnesses.

Reporter: The bear’s body, how did you confirm that it was eaten by a tiger?

Liu Yanlin, Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Protected Area Administration: Because there are also fighting scenes and footprints, there are no fewer than three lying tracks beside the tiger’s footprints, and it should rest nearby after eating.

As the saying goes, the tigers roar in the mountains and the beasts are frightened. At present, tigers eat bears, which is only a case. However, with many Siberian tigers entering Taipinggou and even Xiaoxing ‘anling, what changes will happen to the animal community in the jungle need further monitoring and research. What is visible to the naked eye is that the frequency of bears has indeed dropped significantly.

Chen Zhigang, Director of Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Nature Reserve Administration: It is said that the number of bears has really changed a lot since the arrival of the Northeast Tiger. Even before the Northeast Tiger came, swarms of black bears and brown bears could always be found through infrared camera monitoring. After the first Siberian tiger came to our nature reserve, it was found that the number of brown bears and black bears was gradually decreasing in recent years. This may also reflect that among top predators, bears still have a fear of tigers, or have a certain impact on the distribution of bears.

Animal experts believe that the bear population in Taipinggou forest area has been increasing in recent years. If natural enemies can be welcomed and their numbers are properly adjusted, the forest ecosystem will adjust itself to a new equilibrium state.

Liu Fang, Associate Research Fellow of China Academy of Forestry: It can be predicted in the future that the more tigers there are, the more they will prey on black bears, which is a regulating effect on the population of black bears.

Homologous distribution of many carnivores in Taipinggou Nature Reserve.

In Taipinggou Nature Reserve of Heilongjiang Province, there are many kinds of top carnivores in the same domain and concentrated distribution. What is the jungle world that can carry so many carnivores?

The location on the picture is located in Taipinggou Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province. Boris, the Siberian tiger, is a Siberian tiger who migrated from Russia on the other side of Heilongjiang Province.

After entering Taipinggou, he quickly occupied a woodland. A day later, his son Thunder also waded from the other side and entered the same woodland with him. Xiang’ an started their respective cruises after "taking the mountain as the king" to declare sovereignty. Although the relationship between the two tigers is "father and son", "two tigers in one mountain" is still a phenomenon beyond the normal nature.

In fact, in Taipinggou Nature Reserve with a total area of only 220 square kilometers, a number of Siberian tigers, two or even more, have been identified, and it is normal to exist in this valley less than 50 kilometers at the same time. Compared with scientific data, the average territory area of a tiger is about 400 square kilometers, and Taipinggou obviously has extraordinary ecological carrying capacity.

Liu Fang, Associate Research Fellow of China Academy of Forestry: If there are many tigers in an area, it means that the ecological environment of this place is very good, which can not only provide it with sufficient hidden conditions and water sources, but also provide a very rich food source, indicating that this is a very healthy and stable ecosystem.

It is remarkable that there are not only many tigers in Taipinggou, but also other top carnivores have a stable population in Taipinggou. In another picture, three animals with strange shapes, like cats, cats and leopards, appear in the Taipinggou woodland in the same frame, enjoying the warm autumn sun leisurely. They are the second-class protected animals in China, and the wild animals in nature, the lynx, are used to living alone, and the picture of three going out together can be said to be very rare. At the same time, compared with another carnivore, wolves, which is often used to compare with their predation ability, their attack power is indistinguishable, showing the same domain distribution phenomenon.

Among a large number of carnivores, besides tigers, lynxes and wolves, there are two carnivores in Taipinggou, commonly known as beasts. They are brown bears and black bears, which are distributed in Taipinggou forest area in large numbers and overlapping.

Chen Zhigang, Director of Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Protected Area Administration: During the investigation of black bears and brown bears in the first few years, we found that there were many black bears and brown bears in our nature reserve, about 30 to 40.

It is understood that the distribution of two kinds of bears in the same domain is not only rare in China, but also the range of species overlap is very limited. This is another evidence of the superior ecological function of Taipinggou.

Liu Fang, Associate Research Fellow of China Academy of Forestry: According to the investigation results of our infrared camera, there are black bears and brown bears in every area of Taipinggou Nature Reserve, so their two species overlap in space, but according to the time information recorded by infrared camera, they are separated in time. Therefore, the spatial niches overlap, but the temporal niches are separated, and the abundant food is the reason why these two species can coexist in this area.

In addition to top predators, top raptors are also resident in Taipinggou. The golden eagle, a top predator known as the "king of birds", has lost its mystery in Taipinggou and become a clear image in an infrared camera. Interestingly, they have been photographed many times, "picking up" the leftover food of the Northeast Tiger.

In the picture, a domestic dog unfortunately became the prey of the Northeast Tiger. After being eaten by the Northeast Tiger, the staff set up an infrared camera next to the wreckage, expecting to photograph the picture of the Northeast Tiger returning to eat. Unexpectedly, the Northeast Tiger did not photograph it, but a golden eagle unexpectedly "appeared".

Zhang Yingxiang, Monitor of Heilongjiang Taipinggou National Protected Area Administration: When we went to get this camera, we found that the tiger didn’t come back and the dog was eaten by the golden eagle. At the same time, I took about 70 or 80 pictures of golden eagles eating dogs, and the pictures I took were very clear and the picture quality was very good. The golden eagle is also a national first-class protected animal. At the same time, a dog can be eaten by the golden eagle after being eaten by a tiger. This phenomenon is rarely recorded.

Taipinggou forest ecosystem is superior, which is one of the most complete areas in the food chain.

So, what’s magical about this jungle in Taipinggou, which can inhabit and support so many carnivores? It is understood that the forest coverage rate in Taipinggou is over 95%, including a large number of nut trees. It is autumn, which is the ripening season of Quercus mongolica fruits. Their fruits are rich in protein and fat, and they are high-quality food for wild animals.

Liu Fang, Associate Research Fellow of China Academy of Forestry: In Taipinggou Nature Reserve, it is very common that Mongolian oak forests grow particularly well like this, or mixed forests of Mongolian oak and red forest. They also provide a large amount of food for wild animals, so they can support a series of wild animals, including ungulates and bears. Like brown bears and black bears, the number of acorns it ingests in autumn basically determines its hibernation state and its reproduction rate.

One of Laojun Mountain (Records of Mountains and Rivers)

  Before going to Laojun Mountain in Luanchuan, I made a simple strategy. First of all, I’m curious about whether there are any other places called Laojun Mountain. After searching, there are a dozen Laojun Mountains all over the country. But on second thought, it is also reasonable. Either there are legends left behind, or because of reverence, in short, there are various reasons why so many mountains share this name, and the mountains have different names. This is the same road.

  However, although there are so many Laojun Mountains, with my selfishness, even if I come to Laojun Mountain in Luanchuan for the first time, I will naturally feel the most cordial here. Why? This is Henan. I’m from Henan. There is also a very hard basis: the Tao Te Ching was written in Hanguguan. Of all the Laojun Mountains, there is nothing closer than Laojun Mountain in Luanchuan and Hanguguan. By the way, there is another thing to say: Laojun Mountain here is actually the main peak of Funiu Mountain, the remaining pulse of Qinling Mountains. It is well known that I ride a green cow. Isn’t this mountain in early spring like a huge green cow?

  The mountain gate is very close to Luanchuan county, but it takes only ten minutes by car. Looking at the mountain at the foot of the mountain, the sky is gloomy and dark clouds are rolling. The tour guide brother said it might rain. Then it will rain. "and, after a night of mountain rain, from each summit come hundreds of silken cascades", you might as well enjoy Baizhong Spring in Laojun Mountain.

  Take the cable car slowly up the hill. The wind is strong, but the cable car is smooth. With the elevation, the cableway has two levels. The first level is divided into two branches, one is called Zhongling cableway, which is the first cableway built by Laojun Mountain, starting from Lingguan Hall and reaching Zhongtianmen, so it is named Zhongling. One is the Yunjing cableway, which starts from Zhaigou and ends at Zhongtianmen. It’s longer than Zhongling cableway, and it has more pleasing scenery. Thanks for these great inventions. I am such a timid person, I will never try to fly with wings. If I want to have a bird’s-eye view, I can only rely on such an invention.

  It’s really beautiful, this spring mountain. No matter whether the leaves are green or the flowers are beautiful, all colors are the original colors, which are extremely pure. Forsythia suspensa and Yingchun both have yellow flowers, but they are different, one is gorgeous and the other is calm. Magnolia is also divided into red magnolia and magnolia, and magnolia is more. Grandma’s name is Yulan, so Yulan is my favorite tree. It really hits it off, and people here seem to like Magnolia very much. Magnolia can be seen everywhere in the county seat, and most of the street trees are magnolia. Magnolia is also planted on both sides of the road up the mountain. But the magnolia on this mountain is different from that on the foot of the mountain. The flowers are smaller, and the small flowers are blossoming upwards, full and hard, as if each one is gathering light.

  On the first level, I arrived at Zhongtianmen-there are Zhongtianmen in Taishan, and there are many places called Zhongtianmen, right? After getting off the cable car, we strolled to the observation deck and looked in the direction of Luanchuan County. We thought we would be obscured by clouds, but it was very clear. What comes into view is a vast plain, surrounded by miniature buildings, roads and ant-like vehicles. The outline of Yishui is faintly visible in the middle. It suddenly occurred to me that the Longmen Grottoes, more than 100 kilometers away, are also beside Yishui. Thinking of Lushena’s smile is like spring water. "Good if water. Water is good for all things without arguing, and it is evil for everyone, so it is a few words. " When the wise man wrote this, did he also think of Yishui?

  Transfer to the peak forest cableway and continue to climb the mountain, and the mountain becomes steeper and steeper. Out of this higher cableway station, look into the mountains. At this moment, all the mountains are shrouded in clouds, and it really is "how can I tell, through all these clouds?". However, being in the fog and being close to it, there is no gloomy color, but the humidity is getting heavier.

  Follow the trail slowly. While listening to the tour guide’s little brother talking about the past, I can’t go without Laozi and the origin of Laozi and Laojunshan. It is said that Lao Tzu went here to practice in seclusion during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. In the administrative territory, Laojunshan has been owned by Lushi for many years. It is recorded in Lushi County Records and Inscriptions that laojunmiao was built on the mountain in the Northern Wei Dynasty. In the 11th year of Zhenguan in Tang Dynasty —— AD 637 —— Li Shimin sent Wei Chijingde as the supervisor to rebuild laojunmiao. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Lu’s county magistrate Gao Gao also wrote "Ode to Mount Jingshi"-Jingshi Mountain is another name of Laojun Mountain. In the preface, he wrote: "Yu to Lu’s, I heard that there are mountains in the world, and the customs are passed down as the residence of Laozi, that is, named after Laojun."

  Like all places of interest, the incense on the mountain is also very prosperous. Even in this weather, there are many people going up the mountain, and most of them come for praying. It’s just that the way of praying now is also advancing with the times. Blessing signs are everywhere on the branches and railings. In early spring, the trees are swaying with fresh and tender green, and the dense red signs move with the wind, dancing like hearts. Some are grand, such as "I wish world peace". Some are specific, such as "get rich as soon as possible", "make a fortune", "succeed in postgraduate entrance examination" and "go ashore as soon as possible" Looking at it, I can’t help wondering who the well-wishers are. "I hope I can get to the right platform to shine as soon as possible and provide a better life for my family." I want to come to this person who just walked out of school. "I wish my daughter a lifetime with someone at the latest by the end of the year." I think this tone should be a mother. There are many emotional cards. "I wish the opposite sex a smooth relationship". Maybe this one has too many same-sex friends, so I have to emphasize the opposite sex? "I have always loved you. You should live well and let me love you." What kind of person is this? No matter what kind of person, just love.

  Strolling to the "ten-mile painting screen", in the fog, the tour guide is very dutiful. It is said that clouds cover thousands of miles when the sea of clouds is mighty, that the autumn colors of maple trees dye thousands of peaks, that the white cuckoo is amazing, that the stars are seen on the top of the mountain in midsummer night, that the snow begins to fall, and that Chu Qing is after the snow, and the sunshine, the snow color and the gold on the top of the hall complement each other, which is beautiful. Pointing to the vast distance, I reported the names of scenic spots like a few treasures: Dragon patrolling the mountain, Guanyin enjoying music, Miaobu Lotus …

  It’s just that the weather is not good today. I can’t see a lot of things. His tone is full of regret.

  It’s good. I said.

  If the weather is fine, you can see more and more.

  I’ve seen enough. I’ve seen everything you said.

  His expression was obviously incredulous, probably because he thought I was perfunctory. I don’t defend myself. How can a word explain my mood clearly? I know the beauty here, this side of the mountain is different from that side, and this slope is different from that one. Every day is different, every moment is different. Rain is different from snow, early spring and late autumn, midsummer and midwinter. But I can’t live here forever. I, limited, can only come to this mountain at this time. All kinds of limitations determine that I may not come many times in the future. Then concentrate on enjoying the beauty of this moment. As long as I enjoy the beauty of this moment intently, even if I come only once, it will be many times and countless times.

  Just as there is only one life. Living a good life this time is actually equivalent to living many times.

  This is my one. I want to keep my one.

  So, really, everything you can see is good. I have actually seen what I can’t see. Take the heart as the purpose.

  Tao gives birth to one, life to two, life to three, and life to all things. For a moment, I suddenly understood this sentence. Legend has it that after I wrote the Classic of Tao Te Ching, I bid farewell to Yin Xi, the official of Hangu Pass, and rode away on a green ox. Historical Records records: "I don’t know where it will end". In fact, there is no need to know this. He is on the road.

  Looking towards the west, the mountains are boundless. I checked with my mobile phone, and it is 168.1 kilometers from Laojunshan to Hanguguan. Looking at this number with zero and integer, I laughed silently. This one, how good.

  (This version of the picture comes from the network)


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