Biodiv Sci ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (3): 24423.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024423  cstr: 32101.14.biods.2024423

• Original Papers: Biosecurity and Nature Conservation • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Coverage and distribution of national key protected wild species in China’s nature reserves

Yutong Guo1, Sucui Li2, Zhi Wang3, Yan Xie4, Xue Yang5, Guangjin Zhou2, Chunhe You5, Saning Zhu2, Jixi Gao2*   

  1. 1 Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China 

    2 Satellite Application Center for Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100094, China 

    3 Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China 

    4 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China 

    5 Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

  • Received:2024-09-21 Revised:2024-12-26 Online:2025-03-20 Published:2025-02-27
  • Contact: Jixi Gao

Abstract:

Aims: Nature reserves are essential venues for the conservation of wild flora and fauna, and the coverage of species protection by nature reserves has always been a focal point. 

Methods: This study utilized GBIF data, literature sources, and scientific research data from nature reserves, drawing on the List of National Key Protected Wild Animals (2021 Edition) and the List of National Key Protected Wild Plants (2021 Edition), to analyze the coverage and distribution of national key protected wild species within nature reserves in China. 

Results: The results indicate that 78.12% of the national key protected wild species are conserved within nature reserves. Specifically, the coverage for key protected wild animals is found to reach 85.58%, while for key protected wild plants, it is 71.95%. The spatial density distribution of wild species within nature reserves is uneven, displaying a decreasing trend from southwest to northeast. At the family level, the highest protection coverage is observed for Orchidaceae, followed by Fabaceae, Lycopodiaceae, and Pinaceae. In terms of provincial distribution, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guangdong have the highest number of national key protected wild species. 

Conclusion: Overall, the majority of national key protected wild species are effectively conserved within nature reserves, and nature reserves play an important role in protecting biodiversity in China and fulfilling the commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Key words: nature reserves, national key protected wild species, Kunming-Montreal Global Framework, biodiversity, conservation coverage