Biological Conservation

Shaanxi enjoys a vast diversity of biology, with 791 species of terrestrial vertebrate wildlife and over 4,400 species of seed plants. There are 345 wild giant pandas, whose growth rate and density ranks first nationwide.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the artificial breeding population of giant panda has reached 32, making Shaanxi the 3rd giant panda breeding base. The protection of crested ibis is regarded as "the successful model of saving endangered species in the world". The population of crested ibis has grown from 7 in 1981 to more than 5,000 at present. "Four treasures of Qinling Mountains", i.e. giant panda, crested ibis, takin, and golden monkey, have become the mascots of the 14th National Games. The largest leopard group in China was found in Ziwuling Mountain, Yan'an.

The protection of wild plants represented by Taxus chinensis and Davidia involucrata has been strengthened. The registered 727,000 ancient and famous trees have been effectively protected. Qinling National Botanical Garden has officially opened, becoming the largest botanical garden with the most natural characteristics in the world. There are 271 nature reserves with an area of 40.127 million mu(267,513 km2), with 23 new nature reserves of 7.617 million mu(150,780 km2). Important habitats and ecosystems, natural relics and landscapes, and historical sites have been basically included in the nature reserve system.

The Giant Panda National Park Administration in Shaanxi Province was formally established, integrating and optimizing 12 natural reserves, four natural parks, three Provincial-governed forestry bureaus, and 16 state-owned forest farms. The core ecological areas in the Qinling ecosystem were covered by the Giant Panda National Park for the comprehensive protection and systematic restoration of the giant panda's habitat, which has gained valuable pilot experiences for the establishment of the Qinling National Park.