China’s first brigade of forest policemen on horseback will start work in the north part of the Greater Hinggan Mountains in Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Twenty-five policemen from the region’s Hinggan League and the city of Hulunbuir stood out as the brigade’s first members after rounds of selections. They will protect the primeval forest in the Greater Hinggan Mountains, which is rich in natural resources but poor in police strength. The policemen on horseback are more flexible in the primeval environment, which has no roads for vehicles.

Now, the 25 rangers are under intensive physical training. Their main task is to crack down on illegal mining and hunting in the forest.