Across China: Sci-tech Helps Protect South China Biological Treasure Trove
In the late 19th century, a rare and enigmatic flower was spotted near the Lianjiang River in the northern part of Guangdong Province in southern China. This flower, which later became known as Primulina tabacum, was studied by European botanists. Despite its initial discovery, the flower remained absent from records and was thought to be extinct for over 100 years.
Its disappearance lasted until the 1990s when it was spotted again in Lianzhou, Guangdong, albeit with only three specimens existing. Classified as critically endangered, this plant thrives in the challenging terrain of the karst caves in southern China, making its survival precarious.
In response, scientists from the South China Botanical Garden (SCBG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences initiated an ex-situ conservation strategy in 2002 to preserve Primulina tabacum. Their research demonstrated that these plants thrive on limestone cave cliffs with high carbon dioxide levels and can self-pollinate without the aid of bees. Through innovative cloning and rapid propagation techniques, around 3,000 additional Primulina tabacum plants have been reintroduced into their natural habitat.
Currently, SCBG preserves a vast array of rare and endangered plant species, totaling 1,050, of which 558 benefit from state protection. Its 20-hectare facility dedicated to the propagation of such species stands as a significant germplasm repository. The garden’s mission focuses on safeguarding around 95% of south China’s rare plant species and successfully rewilding at least 20 species.
“Every plant species we conserve carries undiscovered potential,” explained Ning Zulin, deputy director of SCBG’s horticulture center. “Even if a species seems insignificant now, its potential can be boundless. Once lost, however, its contributions are gone forever.”
Empowering Conservation through AI
The ever-expansive realm of biodiversity boasts no clear tally of the Earth’s species. Historically dependent on specialists, the field of biodiversity is now undergoing a transformation powered by big data and AI, enabling broader public engagement and innovative conservation measures.
At SCBG, a pioneering system named Cathaya has revolutionized specimen management and biodiversity research. Using Cathaya, the herbarium handled over 50,000 plant specimens in 2024 and amassed 300,000 pieces of distribution data. This technology streamlines the path from field observation to digital sharing.
Furthermore, the herbarium introduced BioGrid, an app that uses vast data sets and AI to enhance plant identification and localization. The app enhances professional data collection while inviting the public to participate in biodiversity science, facilitating broader engagement and understanding.
The Gem of Biodiversity: Dinghushan National Nature Reserve
In its quest to be a world leader in ecological preservation, China embraces innovative strategies for environmental defense and ecosystem stewardship.
The Dinghushan National Nature Reserve, China’s inaugural nature sanctuary and a member of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, stands as a testament to effective ecological conservation practices. It is situated within the expansive 1,133-hectare area in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province. Celebrated for its ecological significance, Dinghushan is often referred to as the “Green Pearl” due to its stark contrast to the arid surroundings along the Tropic of Cancer.
The Intricate Balance of Conservation and Human Impact
Preserved since 1956, and managed by SCBG, Dinghushan focuses on protecting the South Asian subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. With nearly complete forest coverage, the reserve maintains stable or increasing populations of many protected plant and animal species. The restoration of over 70% of these crucial forest habitats underscores the successful conservation efforts evident since the reserve’s creation.
Research within the reserve reveals insights into carbon sequestration capacities, sometimes overlooked by conventional estimations. These studies underscore the substantial carbon storage potential of China’s forests and the environmental factors influencing terrestrial carbon dynamics.
Research at Dinghushan addresses broader scientific inquiries about ecosystem responses to global change, examining how elements like nitrogen deposition affect soil carbon emissions and revealing the complex carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles amid climate warming.
Beyond maintaining the ecological balance, Dinghushan remains a collaborative hub, working alongside institutions from various countries to advance multidimensional ecological research.
Amidst conservation successes, the reserve’s blueprint extends beyond preservation, innovatively integrating local livelihoods. The recent endorsement to preserve high-quality farmland within the reserve epitomizes this approach, aligning nature conservation with socioeconomic needs.
“Protected areas are not constraints but crucial connectors for regional development,” noted community stakeholders. “Achieving harmony between humanity and nature is not just a philosophy but a necessity for sustainable growth.”
Through advanced scientific interventions and holistic conservation initiatives, China continues to nurture a balance between ecological preservation and the essential needs of its people, offering a blueprint for the world.
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