A leopard captured by infrared camera at Taiping State-owned Ecological Forest Farm. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

Staff members at the Taiping State-owned Ecological Forest Farm in Huyi district, Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, discovered evidence of a leopard while reviewing infrared camera data on Nov 12.

The photos, captured on Oct 29 this year, were taken at the base of a slope in the Hualin Bay area, near a small river where animals often come to drink.

The infrared camera recorded two images of the leopard, with less than 20 seconds between shots. The first photo showed an adult leopard passing before the camera, clearly displaying its muscular back and distinct spotted coat. The second photo captures the leopard pausing briefly before leaving from the right side of the frame. Staff have confirmed it was the same leopard in both images.

The Taiping State-owned Ecological Forest Farm has 31 infrared cameras installed.They have captured over 160 valid videos and photos, including rare and protected species such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and forest musk deer.

As a top predator in the Qinling ecosystem, the leopard is vital for controlling populations and maintaining ecological balance. Officials highlighted that frequent leopard sightings are a positive indicator of the success of ongoing conservation efforts in the region, underscoring the area's growing biodiversity.