ABG in China

Research Trip to China: Fieldwork, Collaboration and Discovery

A research expedition to China combined scientific collaboration, intensive fieldwork and opportunities to experience the landscapes, wildlife and culture of northwestern China. The journey began with travel through Guangzhou, Chengdu and Lanzhou, where meetings with collaborators from Lanzhou University and local research teams helped prepare for the field season. A presentation at the university provided an opportunity to share research, exchange ideas, and discuss future collaborations with staff and students.

The core of the trip was based in the desert region around Minqin in Gansu Province, where a multinational team conducted behavioural research on toad-headed lizards using an experimental robotic model. Early trials involved testing equipment, refining protocols, and learning how best to present the robot to wild lizards. After initial adjustments, the first successful aggressive responses from focal animals were a significant milestone, confirming that the experimental approach was working.

Over the following days, the team spent long hours searching for lizards, filming behavioural responses, capturing animals for measurements, and troubleshooting equipment under challenging desert conditions. Heat, wind, difficult terrain and occasional technical failures all became part of the daily routine. Despite these obstacles, the project steadily accumulated data and eventually surpassed the target of 100 filmed behavioural trials, providing a strong foundation for future analyses.

Fieldwork also offered a close connection with the desert environment. Alongside the target lizard species, the team encountered a variety of wildlife including jerboas, ground squirrels, marmots and numerous birds. Evenings often involved walks through the desert, backing up data, discussing science, and sharing stories after long days in the field.

A highlight of the trip was the generosity of local colleagues and community members. Meals were frequently shared with researchers, restaurant owners and local families, providing insight into regional culture and cuisine. Regular visits to local restaurants turned staff and researchers into friends, culminating in a memorable farewell dinner at the conclusion of fieldwork.

After completing the research phase, the team explored several notable sites across northwestern China. These included the historic Ruian Fort, the vast Hongyashan Reservoir, sculpture parks in the desert, the spectacular Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (the “Rainbow Mountains”), and the remarkable Mati Grottoes Buddhist temple complex carved into the mountainside.

The final stage of the journey involved visits to research facilities in Chengdu, including the offices, laboratories and animal facilities of collaborators. Time was also spent exploring the city, visiting the giant panda sanctuary, wandering historic streets and reflecting on the achievements of the field season.

Overall, the trip successfully combined international research collaboration, innovative behavioural field experiments, student mentorship and cultural exchange. The completion of more than 100 behavioural trials, strengthened partnerships with Chinese colleagues, and memorable experiences across the landscapes of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan made the expedition both scientifically productive and personally rewarding.

Sorry for all the photos

But if you want more then there are many more in the slideshow below