Gobi Bear, the only bear species living in the desert, has recently been discovered by Chinese scientists in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The image captured by an infrared camera on March 18, 2021, shows a Gobi Bear in Xiamaya Town, Yiwu County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. (Photo: Xinhua News Agency).
According to a recent announcement, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Forestry have discovered the Gobi Bear in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is also the first time that this endangered species has been found in China.
The Gobi Bear’s scientific name is Ursus arctos gobiensis, and it is a subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos). It is also the only bear species in the world that lives in the desert. They are known to live alone and are very gentle. The Mongolians regard the Gobi Bear as a national treasure.
The latest images of the Gobi Bear were captured by Chinese scientists during a research expedition in Xiamaya Town, Yiwu County. This town borders Area A – the most strictly protected area of Mongolia, which is also the habitat of this rare bear species.
According to published data, there are currently only about 50 Gobi Bears recorded worldwide. In 2018, China and Mongolia signed an agreement to implement a technical assistance project aimed at saving the Gobi Bear and improving their habitat.
