Li Zhongyun, a forest ranger and elephant observer, patrols mountains in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan. (Photos: China Daily)

Li Chao, a villager in Mengla, works as an Asian elephant observer.

Yang Chengzhong, a former hunter who now safeguards wildlife, shows a list of protected species at his home in Mengla county, Yunnan province.

A forest ranger and elephant observer shows an app used to monitor the animals.