Nanling Mountains: A Sanctuary of Natural Diversity

Cradled in the northern reaches of South China’s Guangdong province, the Nanling National Nature Reserve stands as a stellar example of natural magnificence and ecological significance. Since its establishment in 1994, this sanctuary spans more than 58,000 hectares on the rugged terrain of the Nanling mountain range, with a core area of around 23,600 hectares devoted to preserving its most unspoiled ecosystems.

This enclave serves as a haven for subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests and is a sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered wildlife species. The reserve boasts a remarkable forest coverage exceeding 98 percent, weaving a rich mosaic of dense, untouched vegetation and a pristine mountain forest ecosystem. It is the largest contiguous area of primary forest in Guangdong, epitomizing the evergreen broadleaf forests characteristic of southeastern China and representing a precious piece of natural heritage on this latitude across the globe.

The reserve is a botanical gem, hosting an impressive collection of 3,892 recorded species of higher plants. Among these, 351 species belong to the bryophytes, while 3,541 species are categorized as wild vascular plants. The reserve harbors two species of national first-class protected wild plants: the Chinese yew and Ormosia microphylla. Furthermore, it includes 66 species of plants under national second-class protection, such as the Kwangtung pine, Bole tree (Bretschneidera sinensis), and the golden-flowered kiwifruit.

This natural sanctuary is also a bastion of animal biodiversity, providing a habitat for 672 species of vertebrates, including 98 species of mammals, 363 species of birds, 101 species of reptiles, 45 species of amphibians, and 65 species of bony fish. An abundance of insect life flourishes here, with 3,195 species documented, which encompass 529 species of butterflies, 2,082 species of moths, and 584 species of beetles.

Among these, eighteen species are afforded first-class State protection, including notable species such as Cabot’s tragopan, the white-eared night heron, the Chinese pangolin, the Mangshan pit viper, and the golden Kaiseri-Hind butterfly. Additionally, seventy-nine species receive second-class State protection, featuring the black bear, silver pheasant, and the Chinese big-headed turtle.

As a crucial source of the Pearl River, the Nanling reserve is not only the province’s most biodiverse nature reserve but also its largest genetic repository of biological species. Its global recognition as a biodiversity hot spot underscores its significance in the country’s ecological landscape.

In conclusion, the Nanling Mountains, with their unparalleled biodiversity and ecosystems, reflect the intricate tapestry of life, making them an invaluable asset to both regional and global ecological conservation efforts. As such, safeguarding this reserve is of paramount importance, ensuring the survival of numerous species and the continuation of vital ecological processes.