------Program code: NS-080813-02800 (what's this?)
Source: CCTV.com
08-13-2008 10:13
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In April, the Qinling Mountains are subject to a cold front from Mongolia. Deep inside the forest, the fir trees welcome spring.
Deck is a 12-year-old adult male golden monkey. He is the head of his family, and roars loudly to proclaim his status.
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Deck and his monkey colony live at an altitude of 2,000 metres on the northern slopes of the Qinling Mountains.
The Qinling Mountains run from east to west across China’s central hinterland. More than 1,500 metres high on average and over 800 kilometers long, the mountains are like a gigantic wall that blocks the airflow between north and south, and serves as a natural dividing line.
The crested ibis inhabits the lower regions on the southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains. This is the first part of the mountains to greet the spring – the traditional mating season for much of the wildlife here.
The weather becomes warmer, and the giant pandas living in seclusion on the southern slopes are on heat. The female pandas send out a message that they are ready to mate, by rubbing hormone on the trees.
Giant pandas are by nature loners, so it’s extremely rare for so many to appear together. But there is a good reason - they are fighting over a mate.
The female panda waits patiently for the outcome of the battle that is being fought over her.
The battle has ended, and the male panda admits defeat
The loser tends his wounds. Injuries sustained in fighting over a mate are the main cause of unnatural death among giant pandas.
