XINING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Infrared cameras have captured images of at least three yellow-throated martens, a protected animal species in China, in the Markog River basin in northwest China's Qinghai Province, researchers have said.
It is the first time that the animal has been spotted in the plateau province, according to Zhao Xiang with the Shanshui Conservation Center, which leads the research.
The biodiversity survey started last December as researchers set up 60 infrared cameras throughout the Markog River basin, located at the headwater of the Yangtze River, China's longest river. Three of the cameras have recorded 10 images of the martens.
The cameras also spotted other rare animal species in the area, including the white-lipped deer and Alpine musk deer, both under top national protection.
The survey showed the area has a good environment and rich biodiversity, according to staff with the Sanjiangyuan Ecological Protection Foundation.
