China is one of the countries with rich bio-diversity. The rich wild species, complete ecological system types and the number of wild parent species of genetic material have direct influences on the existence, multiplication and development of human being. The bio-diversity is being threatened in the whole world and the bio-diversity conservation is rather urgent.
Species There are 30,000 kinds of higher plants in China, accounting for 10% of that in the world, among which there are 250 kinds of gymnosperm. There are 6,347 kinds of vertebrates in China, accounting for 14% of that in the world, among which there are 1,244 kinds of birds and 3,862 kinds of fish, with both taking the lead in the world. There are 17,300 kinds of special higher plants in China and 667 kinds of vertebrates.
Wetland There are 63 million hectares of wetland in China, among which there are 26 million hectares of natural wetland, accounting for about 2.7% of the territory of the country and over 10% of the wetland area in the world, being the fourth one in the world. Among the natural wetland, there are 11 million hectares of marsh, 12 million hectares of lakes and 2.10 hectares of beaches and salt marsh.
(x104 aqr.KM)Nature Reserves By the end of 1999, there were
1146 nature reserves of various kinds set up in the whole country and the total area was 88.152 million hectares (among which, the land area was 84.509 million hectares and the marine area was 3.643 million hectares), accounting for about 8.8% of the territory. There were 155 national level nature reserves and the area was 57.515 million hectares.
There were 15 nature reserves - Changbai Mountain, Dinghu Mountain, Wolong, Wuyi Mountain, Fanjin Mountain, Xilinguole, Bogeda Peak, Shenlongjia, Yancheng, Xishuangbanna, Tianmu Mountain, Maolan, Jiuzhaigou, Fenglin and Nanlu Islands that have been listed in the "International Man and Bio-Spere Reserve Network" of UNESCO. Seven nature reserves - Zhalong, Xianghai, Eyang Lake, East Dongting Lake, Dongzhaigang, Qinghai Lake and Mipu in Hong Kong have been listed in Important International Wetland Inventory. Four nature reserves - Jiuzhaogou, Wuyi Mountain, Zhangjiajie and Lushan Mountain have been listed as World Nature Heritage or Nature and Culture Heritage.
Formulating Bio-Diversity Protection Plan In 1999, State Environmental Protection Administration organized the formulation of China National Framework of Bio-Safety and issued Country Report of the Bio-Diversity in China. State Forestry Administration organized the formulation of the Protection and Construction Program of Wild Plants and Animals and the Habitat in the Whole Country, the Action Plan of Wetland Protection in China, and the Construction Program of Nature Reserve System in the Forestry System in the Whole Country. Ministry of Agriculture formulated Inventory of Key National Protection Livestock and Poultry.
NO. One Action in Kekexili
In order to hold back the illegal criminal activities of hunting of Pantholope hodgsoni in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, State Forestry Administration issued the Notice of Fighting Against the Illegal Hunting of Pantholope hodgsoni in Qinghai, Xinjiang and Tibet, and decided to conducted severe strikes on the illegal hunting of Pantholope hodgsoni in Kekexili, Qiangtang and Aljin Mountain with Pantholope hodgsoni from April 10 to May 1. Seventeen illegal hunting groups were destroyed and 66 illegal hunters were arrested (among whom, one shot to death and two were injured). There were 1658 pieces of Pantholope hodgsoni skin, 545 Pantholope heads, 28 Bos mutus heads, 4 pieces of bos mutus skin, 18 vehicles, 14 guns and more than 12000 bullets captured. The illegal criminal activities of hunting Pantholope hodgsoni were preliminarily controlled.
Construction of National Level Ecological Demonstration Zones
State Environmental Protection Administration organized demonstration zone construction in the whole. In 1999, with the inspection and acceptance of the ecological demonstration zones, 33 national level ecological demonstration zones obtained the titles. The ecological province demonstration of Hainan Province and the ecological province construction demonstration were ratified. There were 40 municipalities (prefectures), counties (municipalities) were ratified for ecological demonstration construction.
China’s natural reserves listed in “International Man and Biosphere Reserve Network”
Changbaishan National reserve in Jilin province
Located in the juncture of Antu, Fusong and Changbai three counties, the reserve covers an area of 190781 hm2. The reserve was established in 1960 with approval of Government of Jilin Province, accepted by “Man and Biosphere” natural reserve network in 1980, and approved as national reserve in 1986. Targets of protection in the reserve include temporal forest ecosystem, natural heritage and rare plants and animals.
Changbai Mountain is a place with typical volcano topography, which is seldom seen in China. The highst peak of the reserve with altitude of 2770 m is also known as roof of the northeastern region. Topography of the reserve includes valleys, swamps, terraces, slope, plateau, alpine lakes and craters, and such complex habitat result in rich biodiversity and vertical zonal distribution of vegetation. Research showed that, 2540 species of plant and 364 species of wild life were distributed in this region, among which Panthera spp., Cervus nippon, Mergus squamatus, Panax qinseng are the focal protected species in China. Such a case is rare in the whole Far East Region. The rich natural resources and the unique environment made the Changbai Mountain a natural reservation center. The establishment of the reserve plays an important role not only in biodiversity protection, but also in research, education and tourism.
Fenglin National Natural Reserve
in Heilongjiang ProvinceThe Fenglin national reserve lies within the boundaries of Yichuan City in Heilongjiang Province. The reserve was established under the approval of provincial government in 1988, and approved as national reserve in 1988. Main target of protection in the reserve is the primitive Korean Pine forest.
The region is located at the south slope of Xiao Xing’anling, and the zonal vegetation is temperate mixed forest of coniferous and broad-leafed trees. Main vegetation types include Korean Pine forest, Spruce and Fir forest and Larch forest. Among them, the coverage of Korean Pine forest is the largest, for which the storage is about 2/3 of the total. Tall and straight Korean Pine sheltering sun and sky still remain in primitive state, making the reserve being called “Land of Korean Pine”. Thus, the reserve is significant to scientific researches, education practices and manufacturing activities.
National Natural Reserve for Coastal
Rare Birds in Yancheng of Jiangsu Province
National Natural Reserve for Coastal Rare Birds with an area of 453000 hm2 is located at the coastal region of Sheyang, Dafeng, Binhai, Xiangshui and Dongtai Counties. Being established as provincial reserve in 1984, the reserve was further approved as national reserve in 1992, and joined the “Man and Biosphere” of UNESCO in the same year. Wetland ecosystems and the rare birds such as Grus japonensis are the targets of protection in the reserve.
The region is in the face of the Yellow Sea and formed of silt of the old Yellow River delta and the Yangtze River delta under the impact of waves and tide. The coastal line is 444 km long, and is the typical representative of the silt plain of the coast. There distributed many Rivers, and established many marches and wetlands. In addition, the region is rich of biological resource, and the main ecosystem still remains in the primitive type. The reserve bears 315 species of birds, among them, 9 species are the national top rank protected animals, and 33 species are the second rank protected animals. About 800 Grus japonensis live through winter here every year, and the reserve is the largest winter habitat for Grus japonensis in the world. The reserve is also the important reproducing base for endangered Black-mouse Gull. Many River Dear, the national second rank protected species, are living here with the largest population size in China. The establishment of the Yancheng Reserve is significant to the protection and study of migrant rare birds such as Grus japonensis.
Tianmushan National Reserve of Zhejiang Province
Tianmushan Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 4300 hm2, lies within the boundaries of Lin’an County of Zhejiang Province. Established in 1956, the reserve is one of the reserves established in early years in China, and promoted as national reserve in 1986 under the approval of the State Council. For the reserve, the endangered species of Ginkgo biloba, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Liriodendron chinese are the mainly protected species. The reserve joined the “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in 1996.
The region is located in northern edge of the southeastern coastal hilly land district, the climate is to damp monsoon climate, and the vegetation of the reserve is subtropical mixed forest of deciduous and evergreen broad leafed trees. The region is one of sites with the richest subtropical plant species in China. There are 70 species of liver mosses, 240 mosses, 110 ferns and 1570 flowering plants. Among them, 25 species are focally protected, and 24 are named after Tianmushan. The seeds of rare and endangered plant Ginkgo naturally distributed here, indicating its great scientific importance. In addition, there are beautiful natural scenery and many cultural and historic remains in the Tianmushan, therefore, the region is also a tourism resort.
Nanjilie National Nature Reserve of Zhejiang Province
Nanjilie National Nature Reserve is located at the southeast part of Pingyang County in Zhejiang Province. It covers 19600 hm2. Established in 1989 after the approval of Pingyang County Government, the reserve was promoted to national reserve in 1990. The shellfish, algae and the natural environment are the main targets for protection.
The region lies in a coastal area where the Taiwan warm current and Jiangzhe coastal current fluctuate in alternate. Climate of the region is oceanic monsoon climate, and here rich in sea life. The floral component is complicated, and its natural ecosystems remain much intact. Research has identified 403 species of shellfish, among them, 19 were reported first in China; 174 species of seabed algae, of which an algae species is newly discovered in the world. These species compose more than 29% of total shellfish and algae in China. The shellfish and algae are not only abundant, but also have fauna and geographical disjunction characteristics of temperate and tropical zone, therefore, the region is called important genebank of shellfish and algae.
Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve of Yunnan Province
The Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve covers an area of 241776 hm2 (composed of Mengxi, Shangyang, Menghua, Mengyang and Mangao) and lies in Xishuangbanna Dai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Established in 1958 after the approval of People’s Congress of Yunnan Province, the reserve was re-divided by Yunnan Government in 1981, and promoted as national reserve in 1986. The reserve joined “Man and Biosphere” network of UNESCO in 1993, and the tropical forest ecosystem and rare plants and animals are the mainly protected targets here.
Climate of the region is tropical damp climate. The reserve has continuous hills, crisscrossed rivers and evergreen scenery, and it is the best conservation space for Chinese tropical primitive forest. Thus, the region is famous for world as “Kingdom of animals and plants”. There are 3890 species of higher plants were identified, and of them, 53 are the focal protected plants in China, such as Parashora chinensis, Alsophila spinulosa and Oryza spp. etc. Among the reserve’s 758 species of vertebrate, 36 were focal protected animals in China, such as Hylobates spp., Elephas maximus etc. There are 30 endemic plant species, such as Manglieta spp., and 7 species of endemic animals in the region. The Xishuangbanna is not only the natural genebank of the species, but also one of the famous resorts. The reserve attracts many tourists worldwide, because of its miraculous tropical views and the customs of minority nationalities.
Bayinbuluke National Natural Reserve of Xinjiang Weiwu’er Nationality Autonomous Region
The Bayinbuluke National Natural Reserve with the area of 100000 hm2 is located in the Hejing County of Xinjiang Weiwu’er Nationality Autonomous Region. Established in 1980 after the approval of government of Xinjiang Weiwu’er Nationality Autonomous Region, the reserve was promoted to be national reserve in 1998. The reseve conserves rare water birds, such as swan, and its habitats.
The region lies on the Baiyinbuluke grassland beside Tiange’er Peak of Tianshanin, where the altitude is more than 2400 m. Surrounded by mountains, the reserve is a mountainous high basin. The famous “Swan Lake”, which lies in the southeast part of the basin, is composed of many linked small lakes and big marshes. Crisscrossed rivers, rich bio-resources and calm environment are the scenery of the region. Thousands of rare birds such as swan, get here around April every year to breed. In addition to swan, the region has more than 70 species of other birds, and the reserve provides habitat and reproducing base for these birds.
Xilinguole National Natural Reserve of Innermongolia
The Xilinguole National Reserve, which with an area of 1078600 hm2, lies within the boundaries of Xilinguole City in Innermongolia Autonomous Region. Established in 1985 after the approval of government of Innermongolia Autonomous Region. The reserve joined the UNESCO in 1987, and was promoted to be national reserve in 1997. The marshland, grassland, sand dune savana and wetland in valley are the main targets for protection.
The Xilinguole grassland is the typical temperate grassland dominated by bunch-rhizomatous grasses in China. The region is located in East Asian Sub-district of Euro-Asian Continent where primitive grassland remains relatively intact. The reserve has unique ecosystems, which represents basic characteristics of grassland bio-communities and reflects structure and eco-processes of grassland ecosystem on Inner Mongolia Plateau. Up to now, research in the reserve identified 658 species of flowering plants from 299 genera and 74 families, 73 species of mosses, 46 species of large fungi. Of these species, 426 are medicinal plants and 116 are fine forage grasses. Wild life of the reserve reflects the feature of fauna of Mongolian Plateau, include 33 mammal species such as Mongolian gazelle, wolf, fox etc., and 76 species of bird. Among the wild life of the reserve, 5 species are national top rank protected wild life, such as Grus japonensis, Cinonia ciconia, Cinoniamigra, Otis spp., Maliaeetus eucoryphus, and 21 species are of second rank, such as Cygnus spp. and Procapra gutturosa. The reserve is the largest among reserves for grassland and meadow ecosystems in China, it plays an important role in the field of grassland biodiversity protection and has significant international influence.
Shennongjia National Natural Reserve of Hubei Province
Located in the juncture of Fangxian, Xingshan and Bapong three counties of Hubei Province, the reserve was established under approval of People’s Government of Hubei Province in 1978. The reserve was approved as national reserve in 1986, and accepted by “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in 1990. It covers an area of 70467 km2, and the protection targets of the reserve include mountain forest ecosystem of northern sub-tropical zone and endemic and rare species.
The region is located between Daba Mountain and Wudang Mountain, and the highest peak Dashennong where altitude is 3052 m has been called “the roof of Huzhong district”. Vegetation shows clear vertical distribution, and dominant species is sub-tropical component, while there are also many other temporal and tropical components. The region is melting pot of plant and animal species of China and also the distribution center for Chinese endemic genera. 1919 species of higher plant was identified, of which 32 species such as Davidia involucrata, Tetracentrum sinense were listed with top rank protection importance. There are 1200 medicinal species, more than 500 species of vertebrate animals and 43 species of wild life with national protection importance such as Rhinopithecus spp. and Ailurus fulgens. There are also more than 10 species of endemic component of Shennongjia, which attracted great attention of scientists from home and abroad. In addition, Shennongjia is also a resort for eco-tourism and venture tourism with its marvelous landscape, rich bio-resources and deep mystery.
Wuyishan National Natural Reserve of Fujian Province
Located in juncture area of Jiangyang County, Wuyi City and Guangze County of Fujian Province and with an area of 56530 km2, the reserve was approved and established by the State Council in 1979, and joined “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in 1986. The targets of the protection in the reserve include mountain forest ecosystem in mid sub-tropical zone and rare species.
The region is the main part of Wuyishan Mountain ridge, and the highest peak of the region called Huanggangshan where with altitude of 2158 m is the highest peak not only for Wuyishan Mountain ridge, but also for entire southeastern district of Chinese continent. The region has intact ecosystem of primitive forest and primitive secondary forest, obvious vertical divergence of plants, and biggest evergreen broad-leafed forest of sub-tropic in China. The region is the transition of Pan-arctic and Old Tropic flora, where plant resources is very rich. More than 2000 species have been identified, among them, more than 1800 are higher plants, more than 10 are national focal protected species, such as Cupressus spp. In addition, there are also fluent animal resources in this region, including more than 400 species of wild life, and more than 5000 species of identified insects, which made it the famous type producing area for insects in the world. There are also more than 10 species in this region are the national focal protecting animals, such as Panthera spp., Neofelis nebulosa, Teinopalpus aureus etc. Wuyishan Mountain is not only a region with precious bio-resources, it is also one of the famous mountains in southeastern coastal region in China. In addition, Wuyishan Mountain is a resort for tourism and its fantastic landscape has won the name of “most marvelous beauty in Southeastern China”.
Dinghushan National Natural Reserve
of Guangdong ProvinceThe Dinghushan National Natural Reserve which with an area of 1133 hm2 is located within the boundaries of City of Guangdong Province. It is the first reserve in China and established in 1956 after the approval of the State Council. The reserve joined the “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in 1980, and its main targets for protection are evergreen broad-leafed forests of south sub-tropic zone and rare plants and animals.
The region is located at north border of tropic zone, and it is the relatively better protection spot for evergreen monsoon rain forest of south sub-tropic monsoon area. The natural forest of the region is one of the special natural forest types in the world. There are abundant animal and plant resources with great variety. More than 2400 species of higher plants distribute here, and of these species, more than 10 species are the national focal protection animals, such as Alsophila spinulosa, Cycas spp., Erythrophleum fordii, Lichi chinensis, Podocarpus imbricatus etc. The reserve is rich in endemic plant species, just the number of species named after Dinghushan and species with types produced here is more than 20. The complex forest vegetation and the abundant food resources provided the ideal place for various animals to live and breed. There are more than 100 species of animals, of them, species such as Pnthera pardus, Antelope, Python molurus etc. are the national focal protection animals. The reserve has a great importance to the scientific research, and it is the ideal location for ecosystem study.
Wolong National Natural Reserve
of Sichuan ProvinceLocated in the boundaries of Wenchuan County in Aba Zang Nationality Autonomous Perfenture in Sichuan Province, Wolong National Natural Reserve covers 200000 hm2. Established in 1975 after the approval of the State Council, the reserve joined the “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in 1980, and the main targets for protection are panda and forest ecosystem.
The reserve lies in upper reach of Minjiang River and the east slope of Gonglai Mountain, climate is sub-tropical damp climate. With the highest point with altitude of 6250 m, and relative height difference of 5000m, the reserve is the alpine valley where Qingzang Plateau transits into Sichuan Basin. The zonal vegetation of the region is evergreen broad-leafed forest of mid sub-tropic zone. However, with the increase of the altitude, there appears vertical difference of vegetation types, corresponding to variation in temperature and moisture. Between the altitude of 2100-3600 m, the Sinarundinaria nitida grows densely under the temperate mixed forest and sub-alpine coniferous forest such as dragon spruce and fir forest, then it provide proper habitat for rare and vestige species panda. The region has complex flora component and rich resource. There are 1810 species of higher plants, of them, Dvidia involucrata, Emmenoplerys henryi etc. are the national focal protection plants. More than 40 species of higher animals such as Baichunlu etc. were identified in the reserve. Since the establishment of the reserve, great progress on giant panda protection and research have been achieved, and the reserve already became a research center for giant panda.
Jiuzhaigou National Natural reserve
of Sichuan ProvinceThe Jiuzhaigou National Natural reserve with the area of 60000 hm2 is located in the boundaries of Nanping County of Sichuan Province. The reserve was established in 1978 after the approval of the State Council, and its main targets for protection are panda and forest ecosystem.
The region is located at the northeastern part of Magangling of southern Minshan Mountain. The main body of the reserve runs from south to north. Altitude of the highest peak is 4764 m and relative height difference is more than 2500 m. Climate of the reserve is a transition of northern sub-tropic and warm temperate climate, and vertical distribution of the natural vegetation is obvious. The region is rich in plant and animal species, among which many precious species such as Ailuropoda malanoleuca, Takin, Rhinopithecus spp. and Crossoptilon auritum etc. With its marvelous natural scenery, Jiuzhaigou is the famous resort for tourists worldwide. The reserve had been approved and listed on “World Items for Cultural and Natural Heritage” by UNESCO in 1992.
Fanjingshan National Natural Reserve
of Guizhou ProvinceThe Fanjingshan National Natural Reserve with the area of 41900 hm2 is located at the juncture of Jiangkou, Yinjiang and Songtao three counties of Guizhou Province. Established in 1978, the reserve was promoted to be national reserve in 1986, and joined the “Man and Biosphere” reserve network of UNESCO in the same year. The main targets for protection in the region are sub-tropical forest ecosystem and rare animals and plants, such as Rhinopithecus spp. and Divida involucrata etc.
With the highest peak with altitude of 2572 m, Fanjingshan Mountain is the main summit of Wuling Mountain, and climate is alpine monsoon climate of mid sub-tropic zone. The reserve contains many floral elements and it is rich in plant resource, of which many are antique and vestige. With the diversified vegetation and clearly distinguished vertical zones, the reserve is the conservation spot for typical primitive vegetation of mid sub-tropic alpine region in western China. There are more than 2000 species of plants in the region, of which more than 1000 are higher plants. 21 species of these higher plants is the national focal protection plants, such as Dvida involucrata. 382 species of vertebrate were identified here in the reserve, and 14 of them are the national focal protection animals, such as Rhinopithecus spp., who’s distribution restricted in the reserve. Fanjingshan is not only abundant in rare bio-resource, but also one of the famous mountains for Buddhism. With its marvelous natural scenery and many well conserved cultural heritage, the reserve has potential for further exploitation.
Chinese Reserves accepted in “International
List for Important Wetland”Zhalong Natural Reserve of Heilongjiang Province
Located in the boundaries of Qiqiha’er City of Heilongjiang Province, The Zhalong Natural Reserve covers 210000 hm2. Established in 1979, the reserve promoted to be national reserve in 1987, and accepted in “International List for Important Wetland” in 1992. The main targets for protection in the region are rare birds, such as Grus japonensis, and wetland ecosystems.
Climate is continental monsoon climate of north temperate region, and it is a natural wetland complex with the most primitive landscape and the richest diversity compared with the sites with same altitude. The Wuyu River, the branch of Nenjiang River, lost its river course here, and became a big marshland with densely bunched reeds and many fish and shrimps, which is the proper habitat for waterfowls. More than 260 species of birds and more than 120 species of waterfowls distribute here, which is the half numbers of the total in China. Among them, 35 species of the birds are focally protected, the most famous of these species is crane. The reserve has 6 crane species such as Grus japonensis, G. Monacha, G. Leucogeneranus, G. Vipio, Anthropoides virgo, while there are only 9 species in China and 15 species in the whole world. Therefore, The reserve is worthy of being called “Crane Land”.
Xianghai National Natural Reserve of Jilin Province
The Xianghai National Natural Reserve with the area of 10546 ha is located in the boundaries of Tongyu County of Jilin Province. Established in 1981 after the approval of government of Jilin Province, the reserve was promoted to be national reserve in 1986, and joined the “International Liist for Important Wetland” in 1992. The main targets for protection are the rare birds, such as Grus japonensis and G, leucogeranus etc. and habitats of these species.
The region located in south slope terrace of Daxing’anling, where the main landscape is marshland, desert short forest. The region has many lakes and various vegetation types of reed marsh, Leymus chinensis grassland, shrub with sparse trees, dune with elm trees etc. The natural environment and abundant bio-resource are breeding various wild life, particularly, many birds. In the light of preliminary investigation, there are 15 orders, 33 families and 102 species of birds, include national focal protection species such as Grus japonensis, G. Leucogeranus, G. Vipio, G. Grus, Platalea leucorodia etc. The region is also the important breeding place for endangered rare species of Grus japonensis and Grus leucogeranus.
Qinghai Lake National Natural Reserve
of Qinghai ProvinceThe Qinghai Lake National Natural Reserve with the area of 495200 hm2 is located in the boundaries of Gangcha, Haiyan and Gonghe three counties of Qinghai Province. Established in 1975 after the approval of government of Qinghai Province, the reserve was promoted to be national reserve in 1997. The main targets for protection are rare birds and plateau wetland ecosystem.
The region is located at northeastern part of Qingzang Plateau. Qinghai Lake as a main body, is surrounded by lakeside plain, grassy swamp, alpine grassy marshland, semi-desert, dry grassy beach and dune in turn. 6 orders, 15 families and 36 species of beasts, and 15 orders, 35families and 164 species of birds have been identified in and around the lake region. The breeding birds of 114 species take 69.5% of the total amount of birds. For the 4 main protected species, the population size reaches 400000, and the population of swan is more than 1000. Therefore, the region is one of the important places of continental plateau in China for the waterfowls and migrant birds to live, breed and go through the winter, while also acts as the post for migrant birds. In the region, the national focal protection wild lives include Grus nigricollis, Procapra prezewalskii, Cygnus spp. etc. Qinghai Lake Reserve has abundant wetland ecosystem and bio-resource, and already accepted in “International Liast for Important Wetland”, and it will play more and more important role in future biodiversity conservation.
Dongzhaigang National Natural Reserve
of Hainan ProvinceThe Dongzhaigang National Natural Reserve with the area of 3337 hm2 is located in the boundaries of Qiongshan City of Hainan Province. Established in 1980 after the approval of government of Hainan Province, the reserve was promoted to be national reserve in 1986, and accepted in “International List for Important Wetland” in 1992. The main targets for protection are mangrove forest ecosystem.
The mangrove forest is special plant community distribute in tropic and sub-tropic coast area. In China, it just distributes in restricted area of provinces of south coast. On the Dongzhaigang and its neighboring beach, relatively large area of mangrove forest has been preserved in good condition. Species number of mangrove here in the reserve is richest in China. The reserve distributes 19 species, while there are only 24 species in China and 40 species in the world. The establishment of the reserve plays an important role in protecting biodiversity and sustaining the gulf ecosystem.
In addition, there are Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province, Dongting Lake in Hunan Province and Mipu in Hongkong.
