Motorcyclists ride to loot wild Lycium ruthenicum, a kind of flowering plant, at pastures in Golmud, Northwest China’s Qinghai province. The species has been used for juice consumption and medicinal purposes and sells at 160 yuan ($25) per kilogram, drawing a large number of illegal pickers to private pastures. Thousands of looters have broken through barriers to seize the plant in pastures over 200,000 hectare since August 12 despite efforts of local police, herdsmen, and pasture contractors to stop them. Some plunderers turned violent in conflicts, setting fire to pasture keeper’s tents and destroying houses. Local police had arrested 22 suspects by Aug 26, with 12 facing criminal charges. (Photo/CFP)
