Flora and fauna of China

China is among the 17 most megadiverse countries on the planet and is the third country in the world with the greatest diversity of mammal species, the eighth in birds, the seventh in reptiles and, finally, the seventh in amphibians.

China’s immense biodiversity is home to more than 7,500 species of vertebrates including, specifically, almost 5,000 species of fish, more than 1,200 species of birds, almost 600 species of mammals, some 400 species of reptiles and more than 300 species of amphibians, together with more than 30,000 species of plants. If you ever dare to venture into this country, you will truly discover an extraordinary natural heritage .

The vegetation of China is characterized by a great diversity of species and forms one of the richest and most diverse in the world coming to represent about 1/8 of the total plant species are known, many of which are endemic to the country. Due to the climate of China , characterized by its variety and a wide range of temperatures, few are the species that do not grow in this country.

• Among the most representative examples of Chinese plants and trees is the bonsai or Penjing , as it is called there. Although it is not a specific species, but a style of growing trees according to antiquity, it is very common to find this style of trees and plants kept much smaller than their actual size in nature.
• Another representative specimen is bamboo , belonging to the genus Phyllostachys spp. and typically present in the homes of its inhabitants. Bamboo is a plant that can last for many years, preferably under direct sunlight, although it has a lot of resistance in the shade as well, and can reach 25 meters in length.
• Another Chinese plant species is ginseng , of the genus Panax . The most recognized species of ginseng is Panax ginseng , which has numerous medicinal properties, including properties to cope with stress, enhance concentration or memory, and improve physical endurance.
• You may be familiar with the fruit of the lychee ( Litchi chinensis ), a tropical tree endemic to southeastern China.
• Also well known is the kiwi or Chinese gooseberry ( Actinidia deliciosa ) a shrub with a fruit that is widely cultivated and marketed throughout the world. As for the flowers, the Lotus flower ( Nelumbo nucifera ) stands out, a special symbol of Buddhism given its representation of purity. This flower is typically found in swampy areas and has a high resistance capacity.
• We also find the Chinese peony ( Paeonia lactiflora ), native to central and eastern Asia, which represents the national flower of China. I know peonies with the properties of nobility and peace.

The variety in vegetation and landscape diversity of this country has given rise to a whole range of ecosystems in China that are home to exceptional animal life. Among the animal species of China , there are very curious specimens, such as:

• The black bear.
• The onager of Tibet.
• The giant salamander.
• The takin.
• The Argalis.
• Come on yaks.
• Thrushes.

It should be noted, on the other hand, that the great diversity of marine fauna in China has placed this country in the third position of this category. In particular, the South China Sea is recognized as one of the most beautiful areas on the planet. It is home to a large number of small islands along with more than 6,500 marine species.

Finally, there is a whole list of protected animals in China . This event is due to various actions. On the one hand, several wild animals in China are highly exposed to hunting and capture pressure given their valued value in the most ancient part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is still very active in some regions (since Traditional Chinese Medicine today Modern is more widespread and has left the issue of the use of animals behind), as well as in the gastronomy of this country. Some of the most sought after animals for medicinal purposes are pangolins, Indian rhinos, and tigers. On the other hand, other reasons fall on intensive crops, desertification, the reduction of unprotected forests or industrial and agricultural pollution.

Among the Chinese animals in danger of extinction or in a state of vulnerability are:

• The golden snub-nosed monkey ( Rhinopithecus bieti )
• El oso panda the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca )
• The alligator chino o alligator del Yangtze ( Alligator sinensis )
• The Amoy tiger or Xiamen tiger ( Panthera tigris amoyensis )
• El baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)
• Ilí’s pika ( Ochotona iliensis )
• Chinese alligator ( Alligator sinensis )
• The giant salamander ( Andrias davidianus )
• The Chinese white dolphin ( Sousa chinensis )

We recommend you meet more Animals in greater danger of extinction in Asia .

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