Forest patrols protect precious poplar trees

After large-scale logging of Euphrates poplars in the 2000s, worsening sandstorms and erosion became more prevalent in Aksu prefecture in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

In 2009, the central government put a stop to the logging in an effort to preserve what it realized was an invaluable natural asset.

"It's our duty to take care of the Euphrates poplars," said Asan Ayit, a forest ranger from Shaya in Aksu, who patrols a designated area to ensure there is no logging activity and to take in any injured wild animals.