Gecho Chopee takes a rest while patrolling at the Angsai Canyon in Angsai Township of Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 22, 2023. Gecho Chopee is an ecological ranger of Sanjiangyuan National Park. He is responsible for patrolling a section of the Angsai Canyon in Qinghai Province.

The unique climatic and geographical conditions have created a diverse ecosystem in the Angsai Canyon and made it a good habitat for a number of rare species such as snow leopards, Tibetan blue bear, lynx and white-lipped deer. Before 2005, snow leopards were rarely seen at the Angsai Canyon.

With the continuous efforts of environmental protection, there are more snow leopards in the canyon in recent years. The improvement of ecological environment brings snow leopards a better life, so does the herders' families.

Starting from 2018, local government has provided each herder family here with an ecological ranger position, which brings them a monthly income of 1,800 yuan (about 289 U.S. dollars).

In 2019, Angsai Township was authorized by the Sanjiangyuan National Park to pilot franchise tourism services. Herdsmen who have lived on herding for generations become "receptionists", leading visitors to enjoy the natural landscape, watch wild animals, and experience life in pastoral areas.

"I love my work, and doing this makes me feel like I'm contributing to my hometown," Gecho Chopee said.

Gecho Chopee patrols at the Angsai Canyon in Angsai Township of Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 22, 2023.

Gecho Chopee checks out a white-lipped deer that has been recently hunted at the Angsai Canyon in Angsai Township of Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 21, 2023.

This photo taken on Feb. 21, 2023 shows a snow leopard at Angsai Canyon in Angsai Township of Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province.

Gecho Chopee patrols at the Angsai Canyon in Angsai Township of Zaduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Feb. 22, 2023.