China's Wildlife Populations Flourish Amidst Conservation Efforts and National Park Expansion

China's Wildlife Populations Flourish as Conservation Efforts Yield Results

China's commitment to wildlife conservation has yielded impressive results, with populations of endangered species like giant pandas, crested ibises, and Asian elephants experiencing significant growth. This progress coincides with the ongoing development of a national park system, which aims to protect over 80% of the country's key wildlife species and their habitats.

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration attributes this success to a combination of factors, including stronger policies and legal protections, increased financial investment, and coordinated efforts in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation. These efforts have contributed to a remarkable increase in the number of endangered species, with the wild giant panda population rising from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 today.

Other notable successes include the increase in snow leopards to over 1,200, the rise in Siberian tigers from 27 to 70, and the growth of Amur leopards from 42 to 80 since the launch of the national park system in 2017. The crested ibis population has also seen a dramatic increase, from just seven individuals at the time of its rediscovery to over 7,000 today.

Critically endangered plant species have also benefited from conservation efforts. The Baishan fir, once known from only three individuals, has seen its population grow to over 4,000 thanks to reintroduction programs. Similarly, the Putuo hornbeam, once thought to be extinct, has been reintroduced to the wild with over 4,000 individuals now thriving.

China's commitment to wildlife protection is further evidenced by the strengthening of wildlife protection laws, the updating of national lists of protected wild animals and plants, and the publication of a list of important terrestrial wildlife habitats. The country has also established flagship animal protection research centers for species like giant pandas, Asian elephants, pangolins, Pere David's deer, blue-crowned laughing-thrushes, and crested ibises.

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration remains committed to improving wildlife protection through enhanced monitoring, habitat conservation, and efforts to promote the coexistence of humans and nature. These ongoing efforts offer hope for the continued recovery of China's diverse and valuable wildlife populations.