The Wildlife Conservation Society on Wednesday presented Wildlife Guardian awards to 15 individuals and 26 organizations in China who've made outstanding contributions to combat wildlife trafficking from the frontlines.  

The event marked the 12th consecutive year the US-based society has presented the awards, which honor the best customs officials, forest police, border guards, community organizations, and individuals working in wildlife conservation and law enforcement. 

A total of 295 people were recommended in this year's competition. Nominees are judged on the number and the increase of enforcement cases, seized wildlife species, the size of their work area, and the difficulty of their job. 

Winners were announced at an award ceremony in Beijing. Officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of Customs and China Wildlife Conservation Association attended the ceremony.