Science fun

Experts from the Institute of Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences host activities to help the public get up close and personal with science. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Huang said the challenge is to update articles under heavy workload but the result of science popularization has been positive.

Her nonprofit raised 2.1 million yuan ($320,000) for their three projects about North-Chinese leopards this year, and about one-third from online, she said. Last year, it had only one project and raised 300,000 yuan.

During fieldwork last year, the organization's team took photos of animal footprints, collected their excrement and gathered other photos on infrared cameras. All details and result will be shared online later, Huang said.

The nonprofit has cooperated with popular science site guokr.com to develop silver necklaces and earrings inspired by the wild cat species.

"Human beings can hardly feel connected with wild animals if they don't know enough about them. The accessories with adorable images of leopards and tigers will get their empathy so as to raise awareness about protecting them."

The nonprofit also works with other parties to hold forums about Beijing's ecology, inviting experts to share their experiences every month, when many parents come with their children.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn