Chongqing - March 3 marked the 12th World Wildlife Day, and Chongqing has much to celebrate in its efforts to protect and restore its rich biodiversity. According to the Chongqing Forestry Bureau, the city is now home to 112 species of nationally protected terrestrial wild animals and 84 species of nationally protected wild plants under the management of the forestry department.

Located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Chongqing boasts abundant wildlife resources. In recent years, the city has deepened its natural reserve management system, implemented comprehensive ecological protection and restoration projects, and achieved significant progress in safeguarding rare and endangered species and their habitats.

Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)

Protected species thriving in Chongqing

Chongqing is home to 112 nationally protected terrestrial wild animals, including 14 first-class protected species such as the Francois' leaf monkey, large Indian civet, small Indian civet, Chinese forest musk deer, Baer's pochard, and Chinese merganser.

Additionally, 84 species of nationally protected wild plants are found in the region, with eight classified as first-class protected species, including the thuja sutchuenensis, cathaya argyrophylla, dawn redwood, ginkgo biloba, and Chinese yew.

Thuja sutchuenensis, a rare and endangered gymnosperm species unique to China, is distributed in Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)

The municipality also hosts over 500 species of model plants, such as the Jinyun dogwood, Jinyun skullcap, Bashan torreya, and Bashan oak. Surveys have recorded more than 10,000 wintering waterbirds of over 50 species, and 10 new species have been discovered and named, such as the Three Gorges swallowwort, Wushan skullcap, and Wuxi bellflower.

Strengthening habitat protection

Chongqing has designated eight key wildlife habitats, including the Jinfo Mountain Francois' leaf monkey distribution area and the Simian Mountain mammal and bird distribution area, as part of the first batch of the "Terrestrial Wildlife Important Habitat Directory". These areas are legally protected from disruptive projects such as airports, highways, and wind farms.

Francois' leaf monkey. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)

The city has also established its first nine migratory bird corridors, including sections of the Jinyun Mountains and the Qijiang River tributary in Jiangjin District. During migration periods, activities such as hunting, fencing, dam construction, logging, and the discharge of toxic substances are strictly prohibited in these corridors.

Year-round hunting ban and conservation efforts

Chongqing has designated all-natural reserves and state-owned forest farms as no-hunting zones for terrestrial wildlife. Hunting of birds and mammals is prohibited year-round, while other terrestrial wildlife is protected from March 1 to October 31 annually. The ban also prohibits any activities that disrupt wildlife reproduction and habitat.

Chinese merganser. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)

In addition, the city has relocated and protected over 100 species of wild plants and rescued nearly 5,000 wild animals. Conservation efforts have led to significant population growth for species such as the Francois' leaf monkey, whose numbers have increased to 263 individuals across 45 roosting sites. The forest musk deer's distribution has expanded from 9 to 19 districts and counties, and the Chinese merganser has been observed wintering in the Qijiang River basin for 13 consecutive years.

Notably, the thuja sutchuenensis, once declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been successfully reintroduced, with 2.7 million artificially cultivated seedlings and 750,000 reintroduced into the wild. The survival rate of cathaya argyrophylla seedlings has increased to 80%, and over 500 artificially bred Myricaria laxiflora plants have been cultivated.

Cracking down on illegal wildlife trade

Chongqing has established a joint conference system involving 11 departments, including public security, transportation, agriculture, and market supervision, to combat illegal wildlife trade. In 2024, the city handled 543 cases related to destroying wildlife resources, resulting in the prosecution of 694 individuals.

Adiantum reniforme is a rare plant species that has only been recorded in Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Forestry Bureau)

The "2025 Clear Wind Action," launched on February 1, is a two-month campaign involving multiple departments to crack down on illegal online activities, unlicensed wildlife trade, and the illegal harvesting of wild plants. The initiative aims to further strengthen wildlife protection and ensure the sustainability of Chongqing's rich biodiversity.

As Chongqing continues to advance its conservation efforts, the city sets an example for balancing ecological protection with sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for its wildlife and natural heritage.