The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, located in southwest Sichuan province of China, are home to more than 30% of the world's giant pandas. These sanctuaries are among the most important places for breeding giant pandas in captivity. The area covers 9,245 square kilometers and includes seven nature reserves and nine scenic parks in the Qionglai and Jiajin Mountains. In addition to giant pandas, the sanctuary provides a safe place for other endangered animals, such as red pandas, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. Outside of tropical rainforests, it is one of the most plant-rich areas in the world, with between 5,000 and 6,000 species of plants. Scientists have noted that the region is similar to ancient tropical forests from the Paleogene Period. Because of its rich biodiversity and role in protecting giant pandas, these sanctuaries were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2006.
Composition
The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries include eight nature reserves and nine scenic parks.
- Eight Nature Reserves: Wolong Nature Reserve (also known as 卧龙自然保护区 in Chinese), Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve (also known as 蜂桶寨自然保护区 in Chinese), Mount Siguniang Nature Reserve (also known as 四姑娘山自然保护区 in Chinese), Laba River Nature Reserve (also known as 喇叭河自然保护区 in Chinese), Anzihe Nature Reserve (also known as 鞍子河自然保护区 in Chinese), Heishui River Nature Reserve (also known as 黑水河自然保护区 in Chinese), Jintang-Kongyu Nature Reserve (also known as 金汤—孔玉自然保护区 in Chinese), Caopo Nature Reserve (also known as 草坡自然保护区 in Chinese).
- Nine Scenic Parks: Mt. Qingcheng – Dujiangyan Scenic Park (also known as 青城山—都江堰风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Tiantai Scenic Park (also known as 天台山风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Siguniang Scenic Park (also known as 四姑娘山风景名胜区 in Chinese), Xiling Snow Mountain Scenic Park (also known as 西岭雪山风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Jiguan-Jiulonggou Scenic Park (also known as 鸡冠山—九龙沟风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Jiajin Scenic Park (also known as 夹金山风景名胜区 in Chinese), Miyaluo Scenic Park (also known as 米亚罗风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Lingzhen-Mt. Daxue Scenic Park (also known as 灵鹫山—大雪峰风景名胜区 in Chinese), Mt. Erlang Scenic Park (also known as 二郎山风景名胜区 in Chinese).
Gallery
- Mount Siguniang
- Mount Siguniang (Shuangqiao Valley)
- Miyaluo (Bipeng Valley)
- Mount Jiajin
- Panda Cub in Wolong
- Mount Qingcheng