On June 28, 2023, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), led a team to visit the Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve in Guangxi for on-site biodiversity research.
Within the Bangliang National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, Dr. Zhou and local staff of the protected area examined the natural habitats where the Cao Vit gibbons (Nomascus nasutus) resides, studied the population changes of the gibbon species, and learned the joint conservation efforts between China and Vietnam.
Located in Jingxi City, Baise, Guangxi, the Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 6,530 hectares with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. The reserve is adjacent to the Chongqing Cao Vit Gibbon Protection Area in the northern part of Vietnam, and it is a typical karst landform area. The main focus of the reserve's conservation efforts is the Cao Vit gibbons and the tropical seasonal rainforest ecosystem of the northern tropical karst mountains, which preserves unique karst biodiversity. It is currently the only known habitat for the Cao Vit gibbons in China and holds significant conservation value.
The reserve boasts rich biodiversity. According to the comprehensive scientific survey report of the Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, there have been a total of 322 recorded terrestrial vertebrate species, including 46 nationally protected species, 6 of which are classified as first-level protected species and 40 as second-level protected species. The reserve also records a total of 149 families, 581 genera, and 1,059 species (including subspecies and varieties) of vascular plants.
It was reported that habitat restoration work has been carried out in the reserve since 2012, with the restoration covering 448 mu (approximately 29.9 hectares) in 11 selected locations. As a result, the habitat area for the Cao Vit gibbons has been expanding, and the quality of the habitat has significantly improved.
The conservation of the gibbons relies on joint cross-border efforts between China and Vietnam. The Sino-Vietnamese cross-border joint conservation of the gibbon species began after friendly exchanges and visits between the governments and forestry departments of the two countries in 2008. In 2011, the Forestry Department of Guangxi and the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Gao Ping Province in Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on Sino-Vietnamese cross-border joint conservation of the gibbons in Nanning, establishing the foundation for cross-border cooperation in protecting the Cao Vit gibbons.
Subsequently, in accordance with the spirit of the memorandum, the Forestry Department of Guangxi and the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Gao Ping Province hold cross-border protection conferences every two years. The Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve in Guangxi and the Chongqing Gibbon Protection Area in Vietnam conduct two cross-border protection exchange meetings each year at the border boundary markers. Forest rangers from both sides conduct joint patrols every quarter. After years of sincere cooperation, the population of the Cao Vit gibbons in both countries has gradually recovered and increased. The Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve in Guangxi has grown from the initial discovery of 3 groups and 19 individuals to 5 groups and 31 individuals at present.
Reporter: Candey
Reviewer: Yang, Linda
Editor: YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
Contribution
Do you know? CBCGDF is a non-profit organization. We rely on crowd-funding and donations. You have the opportunity to help us to advance biodiversity conservation. Donate TODAY to power up the movement to make it a better world for all life.
https://www.paypal.me/CBCGDFChina
http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/ConfirmDonaTion/0.html