Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve, Zhaotong
Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve (云南大山包黑颈鹤国家级自然保护区) is located in Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省), at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,200 meters. The reserve spans an area of 3,150 hectares and is recognized as the region with the highest concentration of Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤) per unit area in China. During the winter months, the reserve is home to more than 1,900 Black-necked Cranes, with the number of other migratory birds also steadily increasing.
The main conservation focus of the reserve is the subalpine marshy grassland wetland ecosystem (亚高山沼泽化高原草甸湿性生态系统) which provides a winter habitat for Black-necked Cranes. In 2005, the Dashanbao Wetland (大山包湿地) was included in the International Important Wetlands List (国际重要湿地名录).
In August 2024, researchers from the reserve discovered a new species, the Eagle Owl (雕鸮), a nationally protected wild animal, adding to the growing list of bird species in the reserve.
History and Establishment
1990: The local government of Zhaotong City approved the establishment of the Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve.
1994: The reserve was upgraded to a provincial-level protected area with a management office and a local police station established.
2003: The reserve was officially upgraded to a national-level nature reserve.
2005: The Dashanbao Wetland was listed as an Internationally Important Wetland.
Location and Geography
The Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve is located in the northeastern part of Zhaotong City (昭通市), specifically in Dashanbao Township (大山包乡) of Zhaoyang District (昭阳区). The reserve’s geographical coordinates are 103°14′55″–103°23′49″ (E) and 27°18′38″–27°29′15″ (N).
The reserve lies in the Wulian Mountain Range (五莲峰山脉), which is part of a highland area that consists of Paleozoic limestone, basalt, and Mesozoic sandstone. The reserve’s terrain features a mix of mountainous landscapes and wetlands, with the flat tops of mountains forming remnants of ancient plateaus.
Climate
The climate in the reserve is warm-temperate plateau monsoon (暖温带高原季风气候), with cold winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature is 6.2°C. In January, the temperature averages -1°C, and in July, it averages 12.7°C. The effective accumulated temperature is 798°C. The area receives 2,200–2,300 hours of sunshine annually, and the frost-free period averages 134 days.
Hydrology
The major rivers within the reserve include the Tiaodun River (跳墩河), which flows westward into the Niulan River (牛栏江), and the Dahai Lake (大海子) that flows north to form the headwaters of the Dagan River (大关河). The reserve is also home to several reservoirs, including Tiaodun Lake (跳墩湖), Dahai Lake (大海子), Leli Zhai (勒力寨), and others.
Soil
The soil in the reserve consists primarily of subalpine meadow soil (亚高山草甸土) and brown soil (棕壤), with peat and marsh soils being dominant in wetland areas. The soil has a high organic content (around 20%) and a pH value of 8.2, making it ideal for plant and animal life.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Animal Resources
The Dashanbao Wetland (大山包湿地) is home to 28 families and 68 species of animals, including:
Mammals: 4 families, 10 species
Birds: 18 families, 52 species
Fish: 3 families, 5 species
Reptiles: 2 families, 3 species
Amphibians: 3 families, 3 species
The reserve is best known for its large population of Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤), which have increased from around 300 in the early 1990s to 1,131 in 2005. In addition to the Black-necked Crane, the reserve is home to a variety of other protected species, including the White-tailed Sea Eagle (白尾海雕), which was recorded in the area for the first time in 2005.
In 2024, a new record was made for the Eagle Owl (雕鸮), a nationally protected species.
Plant Resources
The reserve’s plant life belongs to the boreal plant zone (泛北极植物区), and includes 56 families and 140 genera of plants, with a total of 186 species. These plants include various species of grasses, roses, and sedges, which thrive in the moist and temperate climate.
Main Protected Species
The main protected species in the reserve include the Black-necked Crane (黑颈鹤), a Class I protected species in China, which is known for its rare status as the only crane species that breeds and overwinters at high altitudes. The reserve also protects other species such as the Grey Crane (灰鹤), Common Buzzard (普通鵟), and the Eastern Imperial Eagle (苍鹰).
Ecological Importance
The Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of the highland wetland ecosystems and subalpine marshy grasslands in the region. These ecosystems are critical for the Black-necked Crane, which depends on these specific habitats for wintering.
Since the reserve has been established, efforts to restore wetlands and protect the ecosystems have been ongoing. The reserve has also been included in the Chinese Wetland Protection Action Plan (中国湿地保护行动计划), which aims to conserve important wetland habitats for migratory birds.
Protection Status and Efforts
As of 2023, the Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve is one of 16 nature reserves in Zhaotong City (昭通市). It has been listed as one of China’s important wetlands and is recognized as a significant ecological site for Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤) during their winter migration. The reserve is protected by the Zhaotong Municipal Government (昭通市政府) and has received strong support for management, public education, and legal enforcement to ensure the long-term conservation of the area.
Local communities in the region have long been committed to bird watching and the protection of wildlife. Despite economic challenges, the local people have cultivated a strong culture of protecting birds and the environment, which has been a crucial factor in the success of conservation efforts at Dashanbao.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: The reserve is not open to the public for casual visits, as it is a protected area with specific guidelines for research and conservation activities.
Best Time to Visit: The winter months, particularly from October to April, are the best time to see the Black-necked Cranes and other migratory birds.
