The Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve, situated in the midsection of the Qinling Mountains within Zhouzhi County, spans approximately 55 kilometers from east to west and 15 kilometers from north to south. The reserve features a diverse elevation range, with its highest point at 2904 meters and its lowest at 800 meters above sea level, encompassing a total area of 69,004.39 hectares. This national nature reserve primarily protects the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, the Giant Panda, and their respective habitats. It is also recognized as one of China’s 40 A-grade reserves of global significance.
The reserve straddles the northern temperate and subtropical climatic zones, presenting a complex array of natural conditions and boasting a remarkable forest coverage rate of 96%. According to statistics, the reserve’s flora includes 259 families, 749 genera, and 1823 species (including subspecies). Among these, there are 49 families, 113 genera, and 270 species of trees; 48 families, 90 genera, and 291 species of shrubs; 77 families, 377 genera, and 775 species of herbaceous plants; 22 families, 39 genera, and 89 species of lianas; 15 families, 37 genera, and 116 species of ferns; 1 family, 7 genera, and 9 species of bamboo; and 47 families, 86 genera, and 273 species of bryophytes.
Notably, the reserve harbors three species of plants under national first-class protection and twenty-three species under national second-class protection. The reserve is also home to 376 known species of wild vertebrates and 1435 species of insects, including 12 species of animals under national first-class protection and thirty-six species under national second-class protection. It is one of the most concentrated habitats for the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey in China and represents the northernmost boundary of the global distribution of folivorous monkeys.
Good Governance
Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve is classified into three functional zones: core areas, buffer zones, and transition areas, aligning with national regulations and regional laws aimed at ecological protection. The reserve has implemented several management measures, including regulations for entrance control, forest resource management, scientific research, and wildlife monitoring.
To safeguard forest resources and biodiversity, Zhouzhi Nature Reserve enforces a comprehensive patrol system and has established a wildlife rescue framework. Enhanced law enforcement during the spring wildlife protection period, monitoring of disease sources, and protection of migratory birds are prioritized. The reserve has also conducted surveys on harmful organisms, bamboo flowering conditions, forest and grass germplasm resources, and invasive species.
Additionally, the Shaanxi Zhouzhi Biosphere Reserve Community Co-management Committee has been formed, involving senior experts and stakeholders to ensure effective conservation efforts. This collaborative approach aims to achieve sustainable social and cultural development, fostering a balance between ecological conservation and community progress.
Conservation
With years of conservation, Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve has made several key and prominent achievements. Firstly, the forest ecosystem has been conserved effectively, with major species, populations, and communities witnessing positive succession. Besides, the forest coverage rate has increased to 96% now.
Secondly, the population of Giant Panda has reached 49 individuals, with their habitat spanning 37,265 ha, an increase of 767 ha (2.10%) compared to the 4th National Giant Panda Survey. The Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys in the region witnesses 24 groups and 1,973 individuals, a significant increase of 1,170 individuals to the survey data in 2007.
From 2000 to 2020, the habitat of Golden Snub-nosed Monkey has expanded by 28.32 square kilometers, a prominent surge. Thirdly, the biodiversity has increased, with wildlife species increasing from 2,375 in 2012 to 3,634 now.
Community benefits
Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has implemented a series of initiatives to benefit local communities and promote sustainable
development. These efforts focus on reducing reliance on forest resources and fostering economic growth through targeted
projects and partnerships.
1. Targeted Sustainable Community Development Projects.The reserve has invested over 13 million RMB in projects such as beekeeping, cultivation of medicinal herbs (e.g., cornus officinalis), economic crop farming, livestock and poultry breeding, and fuel-efficient stove reconstruction. These projects aim to decrease local dependence on forest resources. Additional funding supports agritourism, poverty alleviation training, and the promotion of new lifestyles and economic methods.
2.Multi-Phased GEF and WWF Projects. In collaboration with GEF and WWF, the reserve has carried out initiatives like fuel-efficient stove modifications, economic forest cultivation, under-forest farming support, and sapling management. These projects continuously support community economic development, reduce resource dependence, and enhance public
conservation awareness.
3. Ecological Benefit Compensation for Public Welfare Forests.Before 2023, the reserve annually disbursed public welfare forest compensation funds, totaling 25 million RMB and benefiting nearly 4,000 people. In 2020, the reserve’s article on implementing such compensation was published in “Shaanxi National Park” and highlighted as a typical community development case in Shaanxi Province.
4.Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives. Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has partnered with Shangri-La Group and Jinhua Grand Hotel to implement CSR initiatives, investing nearly 300,000 yuan in activities like beekeeping and cornus officinalis planting. Additionally, the reserve has hired 30 local residents, many from impoverished households, as forest rangers, cleaners, and security personnel which strengthens the relationship between the reserve and nearby communities.
The Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve, situated in the midsection of the Qinling Mountains within Zhouzhi County, spans approximately 55 kilometers from east to west and 15 kilometers from north to south. The reserve features a diverse elevation range, with its highest point at 2904 meters and its lowest at 800 meters above sea level, encompassing a total area of 69,004.39 hectares. This national nature reserve primarily protects the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, the Giant Panda, and their respective habitats. It is also recognized as one of China’s 40 A-grade reserves of global significance.
The reserve straddles the northern temperate and subtropical climatic zones, presenting a complex array of natural conditions and boasting a remarkable forest coverage rate of 96%. According to statistics, the reserve’s flora includes 259 families, 749 genera, and 1823 species (including subspecies). Among these, there are 49 families, 113 genera, and 270 species of trees; 48 families, 90 genera, and 291 species of shrubs; 77 families, 377 genera, and 775 species of herbaceous plants; 22 families, 39 genera, and 89 species of lianas; 15 families, 37 genera, and 116 species of ferns; 1 family, 7 genera, and 9 species of bamboo; and 47 families, 86 genera, and 273 species of bryophytes.
Notably, the reserve harbors three species of plants under national first-class protection and twenty-three species under national second-class protection. The reserve is also home to 376 known species of wild vertebrates and 1435 species of insects, including 12 species of animals under national first-class protection and thirty-six species under national second-class protection. It is one of the most concentrated habitats for the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey in China and represents the northernmost boundary of the global distribution of folivorous monkeys.
The EAGL members approved by consensus to recommend the site for inclusion on the IUCN Green List.
