Treasure trove of biodiversity

In the southern part of Hunan province, near the border of Guangdong province, lies the Mangshan National Nature Reserve. Established in 1984, the reserve stands as a quintessential representation of China's subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem.

It was established as a provincial reserve in 1984 and it garnered further national recognition in April 1994 when its status was upgraded to a national nature reserve.

The biodiversity within the Mangshan reserve is a treasure trove, with a documented array of 399 vertebrate species. Among these, there are 61 mammal species, 194 bird species, 67 reptile species and 36 fish species.

Notably, the reserve is home to 69 nationally protected terrestrial vertebrates, including 11 species classified as first-class national protected wildlife. These include the Mangshan pit viper, Cabot's tragopan, Elliot's pheasant, yellow-breasted bunting, the Chinese pangolin, the clouded leopard, the small Chinese civet, the large Indian civet, the Asian golden cat, the dhole and the forest musk deer. Moreover, the reserve encompasses a rich tapestry of 2,402 vascular plant species, including 51 species under State protection.

As Chen Jun contemplated the future, a sense of unease crept over him. "Desheng and I are getting old," he said. "In order to sustain our efforts, we need new blood to join our cause."