China has announced significant success in biodiversity conservation: 789 key terrestrial wildlife habitats now cover 82.36% of species listed in the national protected list.
This figure is the result of systematic work in recent years. The state has updated its lists of protected animals and plants, including 988 species (classes) of animals and about 1200 species of plants. An additional 1924 species of terrestrial animals of important ecological, scientific, and social significance have been brought under protection.
Particular attention has been paid to habitats. The first list of 789 most important areas, where populations of rare species are concentrated, has been published. In parallel, plans have been developed to protect bird migration routes: 1140 key breeding, wintering, and stopover sites have been identified, as well as 821 critical points on migratory corridors.
The results are already noticeable in the example of the most vulnerable species. The populations of Siberian tigers and leopards in the wild have increased, the population of Hainan gibbons has reached 7 groups and 44 individuals, and the population of white-naped cranes exceeds 7000 birds. The story of the crested ibis is particularly illustrative: from seven remaining individuals in the world 45 years ago to thousands today.
Nature protection here is not limited to nature reserves. Authorities combine habitat restoration, monitoring, rescue, and reintroduction of animals with scientific research. In large cities like Shenzhen, modern technologies are being implemented—from artificial intelligence to “bird-friendly” architecture that reduces bird collisions with glass.
Interestingly, species protection also brings economic returns. In Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province, where the main population of the crested ibis is concentrated, an ecotourism cluster has been created. In 2025, revenues from tourism and related industries exceeded 44 billion yuan, and the county itself became one of China’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.
Experience shows that a well-thought-out habitat protection system and comprehensive measures can not only halt species extinction but also turn their conservation into a driver of sustainable regional development.
