In the desert region north of Zhangye, Gansu Province, man-made dens have become important places for Pallas's cats and Asiatic wildcats to rest and raise young. Other animals also use them to shelter and store food. Modeled on natural dens, the man-made ones feature anti-slip surfaces for safety. Man-made water points have also been set up for wildlife.
The facilities were built through joint efforts by the Zhangye Wildlife and Plant Resources Management Bureau and community partners.
Experts say these measures address wildlife declines caused by drought and habitat degradation, providing emergency support and informing long-term conservation efforts.