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Deep within the woodlands of Shenzhen Universiade Park, infrared cameras have captured a compelling evidence of urban wildlife resilience. Since September 2025, a biodiversity monitoring network established by?The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen)?has recorded sustained activity of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) across Universiade Park and the adjacent Shenxianling area. The footage serves as definitive proof that this state-protected species is maintaining a presence within the city’s green spaces.

This discovery is a primary output of the "Campus Biodiversity Conservation Project," led by?Prof. Zou Jing and Prof. Wang Yifu?from the School of Humanities and Social Science. Supported by the University’s Foundation, the initiative aims to transform the community into an "Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures" (OECMs), mobilising faculty, students, and alumni in a collective effort toward ecological stewardship.

The project has garnered significant external recognition, having been selected for the prestigious "University Biodiversity Conservation and Fundraising Project Funding Plan." This programme is jointly initiated by the Tencent Foundation, the North China Electric Power University Education Foundation, and the Shan Shui Conservation Center. As the youngest institution selected for this programme, the University is pioneering systematic approaches to human-nature coexistence. The objective is to establish a replicable and scalable paradigm for ecological protection within mega-cities.

The success of this project is underpinned by the University’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and experiential learning. Through General Education modules such as?In Dialogue with Nature,?Rethinking Environmental Protection in the Greater Bay Area, and?Urban Ecology and Conservation, the campus environment is utilised as an extension of the classroom. From an administrative perspective, the University adheres to a green development philosophy, prioritising the preservation of existing natural environments to provide a robust foundation for nature education.

Reflecting on the educational impact,?Prof. Zou Jing?noted: "Nature education requires a visceral, onsite connection. In our core curriculum,?In Dialogue with Nature, we define consciousness as 'awareness'—you are aware of yourself. Similarly, in the wild, the profound realisation is the awareness that one is an intrinsic part of nature."

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About the Species

While they may resemble domestic felines, leopard cats are distinct, genuine wild carnivores. These small felids typically measure?360–660 mm in head-to-body length—excluding a?200–370 mm tail—and weigh between?1.5kg and 5kg. They are characterised by their striking, rosette-patterned coats, which afford them natural camouflage.

As elusive, nocturnal hunters, leopard cats feed on rodents, birds, and small animals. Occupying a position in the upper echelons of the forest food web, their survival is inextricably linked to the health and completeness of their habitat. In China, the leopard cat is a?Class II national protected species?and is listed in Appendix II of CITES, highlighting its significant conservation value and research importance.

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An Ecological Vote of Confidence

The stable presence of leopard cats in the Universiade woodlands constitutes a significant "vote of confidence" for the ecological integrity of the Longgang District. The findings indicate:

• Favorable Habitat Quality: The park possesses a complete forest structure with ample water sources and prey populations, meeting the survival needs of leopard cats.
• Ecological Connectivity: The presence of potential ecological corridor linking the park with surrounding mountain ranges (such as Shenxianling) facilitates genetic flow and helps maintain population health.
• Ecosystem Services: The environment is sufficiently robust to support mid-to-upper-level carnivores, suggesting enhanced capacity for water conservation and climate regulation.

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Editor: Research Team Led by Prof. Zou Jing & Prof. Wang Yifu, School of Humanities and Social Science

Video Credit: Tao Jingren