Wildlife in China
Exercept from https://www.china-family-adventure.com
Wildlife in China is very diverse, there are over 30,000 kinds of plants and over 4,400 species of vertebrates. Because of China's immense range of climates and landscape, there are many different kinds of habitats which support many different kinds of flora and fauna.
|
The Giant Panda is China's most loved animal大熊猫是中国最受宠的动物。
|
China's natural world has been since ancient times a source of inspiration in the arts, literature, religion and mythology. Philosophers have preached the virtues of living in harmony with nature for centuries.
Unfortunately, the rapid economic development and rate of urbanization in China have led to increased deterioration of the environment and loss of habitat for many of the species endemic to China.
Many of them are currently listed as endangered, and none more well-known than the Giant Panda （大熊猫 Dà xióngmāo）.
Unfortunately, the rapid economic development and rate of urbanization in China have led to increased deterioration of the environment and loss of habitat for many of the species endemic to China.
Many of them are currently listed as endangered, and none more well-known than the Giant Panda （大熊猫 Dà xióngmāo）.
Wildlife in China: Animals in China
Here are some of the most notorious animals native to China. Some of them are in danger or vulnerable to extinction, and some have special significance in Chinese Culture. The links will bring you to more detail about the particular animal and its environment, as well as the places where we have been fortunate to appreciate some of them during our travels.
Giant Panda
大熊猫 Dà xióngmāo The Giant Panda roams the forests and mountains of South West China. An endangered species, many reserves have been set up for the conservation of this animal unique to China and considered a national treasure. |
Siberian Tiger
西伯利亚虎 xī bó lì yà hǔ This is China's top predator, also known as the Amur Tiger for its homeland region, the temperate snow-covered mountains in north-east China. Also an endangered species due to excessive poaching. |
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
金丝猴 Jīn sī hóu Mainly tree-dwelling in the cold mountainous forests of central and Southwest China. Threatened by deforestation, this is also an endangered species and under state protection. Along with Pandas, considered national treasures. |
Red Panda (Firefox)
红熊猫 Hóng xióng māo Native of China, this small arboreal mammal is found in the mountainous forests of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. No longer categorized as endangered but still vulnerable |
Chinese Alligator
中国短吻鳄 Zhōngguó duǎn wěn è Similar to the American alligators but much smaller and completely armored, inclusive belly. Its critically endangered population of perhaps a couple of hundred lives along the ponds and wetlands of the lower Yangtze River. |
Red-crowned Crane
丹 顶 鹤 Dān dǐng hè 丹 is a synonym with 红 in Chinese Found in the marshes and riverbanks of East and East-Central China, this is one of the largest of cranes easily recognizable for its red patch on the head. Cranes have been for long a symbol of longevity in China. |
Baiji
白 鱀 豚 Bái jì tún Known as the Yangtze River Dolphin is a fresh water dolphin only found in the Yangtze River. Sadly it has been categorized as critically endangered and possibly extinct, since a 2006 expedition failed to find any of the species in the river. |
Pink Dolphin
粉红色的海豚 Fěnhóng sè dì hǎitún Pink in Chinese 粉红色的 Also known as the Chinese White Dolphin, is mainly found around the waters of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. They are endangered and became the official mascot of Hong Kong's handover to China. |
Chinese Sturgeon
中 华 鲟 Zhōnghuá xún Also a national treasure and a "living fossil". These creatures have existed from prehistoric times, i.e. they were around along with the dinosaurs, and have managed so far to defy extinction but are critically endangered. They are only found in the waters of the Yangtze River. |
Bactrian Camel
双 峰 驼 Shuāng fēng tuó 双 means "two, double" 峰 means "peak" 驼 means "camel" It is found accross the dry deserts in Northern China. They have been domesticated and are used to provide transport accross the vast areas. |
Tibetan Antelope
藏 羚 羊 Zàng líng yáng Tibet means 西 藏 in Chinese Antelope means 羚 羊 in Chinese A native from the Tibetan Plateau, it prefers flat, open terrain, with sparse vegetation cover. |
Yak
犛 Máo The hardy yak is native to the high plains of the Himalayas and essential for Tibetans subsistence. Used in transportation as well as for its meat, milk and even hair. |
|
Chinese Pheasant
中 国 雉 鸡 Zhōngguó zhì jī Also known as the Golden Pheasant, is mainly native to forests in mountainous areas of western China, also commonly found in zoos. The Pheasant is for Chinese a symbol of good fortune and beauty. |