Foping National Nature Reserve in Hanzhong

The Foping National Nature Reserve (佛坪国家级自然保护区), located in the Foping County (佛坪县) of Hanzhong City (汉中市), Shaanxi Province (陕西省), is a renowned conservation area dedicated primarily to the protection of the Giant Panda (大熊猫) and its surrounding forest ecosystem. The reserve spans a total area of 28,586 hectares and is characterized by its rich biodiversity, which includes 1,580 species of plants and 265 species of animals. It is recognized as a “natural gene bank” for flora and fauna.

Overview of Foping National Nature Reserve

Situated on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains (秦岭), the reserve is approximately 158 kilometers south of Hanzhong (汉中) and 215 kilometers north of Xi’an (西安). The reserve is home to a variety of landscapes, ranging from high mountain peaks to valleys, and has an elevation variation from 980 meters to 2,904 meters.

Key Features of Foping National Nature Reserve

The area is known for its diverse ecosystems, including:

Giant Pandas (大熊猫), which inhabit around 30% of the total Qinling panda distribution (秦岭大熊猫分布) and are considered one of the main species for conservation.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys (金丝猴), with approximately 470 individuals in the region.

Takin (羚牛) and Leopard (豹), both species under national protection.

A rich variety of plant life, including Qinling Arrow Bamboo (秦岭箭竹), which is a crucial food source for the pandas.

The reserve’s designation as a National Nature Reserve (国家级自然保护区) reflects its importance in preserving the Giant Panda population, and it plays a key role in wildlife research and conservation efforts.

Historical Background

The Foping National Nature Reserve has a long history of human activity and natural heritage. As early as the Han and Wei Dynasties (汉魏时期), the famous Luogu Path (骆谷道) passed through the area, which was a key route for military movements during the Three Kingdoms Period (三国演义). During the Tang Dynasty (唐代), the path was reopened, and it became a major transport link between Chang’an (长安), Hanzhong (汉中), and Chengdu (成都).

The region remained sparsely populated until the Qing Dynasty (清朝), when Foping (佛坪) became a thriving area with a growing population engaged in agriculture, though this led to deforestation. However, with the establishment of the nature reserve in 1978, conservation efforts were ramped up, and the region has since become a sanctuary for endangered wildlife.

Geographical Features

The Foping National Nature Reserve is located in the central-southern part of the Qinling Mountain Range (秦岭). The terrain is characterized by:

Steep cliffs, deep valleys, and mountainous slopes that rise from 980 meters to 2,904 meters in elevation.

Various subtypes of granite and sedimentary rock, with some areas showing exposed glacial features from the Quaternary Period (第四纪).

Diverse geographical formations including erosion-prone granite ridges and valleys, with slopes averaging 30° in steepness.

Climate

The climate in the reserve is categorized as mountainous temperate, with distinct seasonal variations:

Annual average temperature: 11.5°C

Maximum temperature: 37°C

Minimum temperature: -12.9°C

The region has a subtropical climate transitioning to a warm temperate zone at higher altitudes.

Annual precipitation: 924 mm, with the highest rainfall in the summer months.

The combination of altitude and climate creates ideal conditions for the Giant Panda and other wildlife to thrive.

Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation

The reserve is home to a wealth of wildlife, including:

Mammals

Giant Pandas (大熊猫) – the area is one of the primary habitats for Qinling pandas, with approximately 100 individuals in the region.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys (金丝猴) – About 470 to 480 individuals in 6 groups.

Takin (羚牛) – Around 574 individuals.

Other mammals include Leopards (豹), Black Bears (黑熊), Wild Boars (野猪), and Red Pandas (小熊猫).

Birds

The reserve is home to 246 bird species, with notable species such as the Golden Eagle (金雕) and Blood Pheasant (血雉).

The reserve is important for migratory birds, and several species are protected under national law.

Amphibians and Reptiles

The reserve also hosts several amphibians and reptiles, including the Chinese Giant Salamander (大鲵), which is listed as a second-class national protected species.

Plants

The reserve is rich in plant species, including Qinling Cold Fir (秦岭冷杉) and the Chinese Yew (红豆杉).

The flora of the reserve is crucial for the Giant Panda, which primarily feeds on Qinling Arrow Bamboo (秦岭箭竹).

Insects and Fungi

The Foping Reserve also has diverse insect populations, with over 1,350 species recorded, and various types of edible and medicinal mushrooms, such as Monkey Head Mushrooms (猴头菌) and Chanterelles (鸡油菌).

Conservation Goals

The primary goal of the reserve is the protection of the Giant Panda (大熊猫) and other endangered species, as well as the conservation of the region’s rich flora and fauna. Efforts have led to the Qinling Panda population becoming more stable, with enhanced breeding programs, habitat restoration, and scientific research initiatives.

Research and Management

The reserve has established wildlife monitoring programs, panda breeding centers, and ecological restoration projects. It also collaborates with various universities and research institutions to study the region’s biodiversity and implement conservation strategies.

Ecotourism and Accessibility

The Foping National Nature Reserve is not open to the general public, except for specialized ecological tourism programs and educational tours organized for research and conservation purposes.

Access Information

Location: Foping County, Hanzhong City (汉中市), Shaanxi Province (陕西省).

Opening Hours: Closed to the public except for research and educational purposes.

Contact Number: 0916-8916002.

The reserve has been certified as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve and has gained international recognition for its contributions to wildlife conservation.

Foping National Nature Reserve is an invaluable natural treasure, offering critical sanctuary for endangered species like the Giant Panda (大熊猫) while preserving the rich biodiversity of the Qinling Mountains (秦岭). It is a testament to China’s commitment to environmental protection and wildlife conservation.