Xundian Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve in Kunming
Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve is located in Hengheliangzi, Xundian County (寻甸县横河梁子), Yunnan Province. It lies in a high-altitude mountainous region and covers a total area of 7,217.3 hectares. This reserve is recognized as the southernmost known wintering site for the black-necked cranes (黑颈鹤). The primary conservation focus is to protect the black-necked cranes and their wetland habitat.
Overview
- Reserve Level: Provincial
- Location: Xundian County, Yunnan Province (云南省寻甸县)
- Area: 7,217.3 hectares
- Protected Species: Black-necked cranes and their wetland habitat
- Management Unit: Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve Management Bureau
- Approval Year: 2013
- Approval Document: Yunnan Provincial Government Document [2013] No. 35
Historical Development
In 2011, a city-level natural reserve for black-necked cranes was established. By 2013, the Xundian Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve was upgraded to a provincial-level reserve, following approval by the Yunnan provincial government.
Geographical Environment
The Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve is located in the high-altitude mountains of Xundian County. This region is known for its cold climate and elevated landscape. The reserve’s total area spans 7,217.3 hectares and is characterized by wetlands that provide crucial habitats for the wildlife it protects.
Conservation Targets
The main conservation goal of the reserve is to protect the black-necked cranes and their habitats, particularly the wetlands. The reserve is also home to four species of national first-class protected wild animals, including:
- Black-necked Crane (黑颈鹤)
- Golden Eagle (金雕)
- White-shouldered Eagle (白肩雕)
- Black Stork (黑鹳)
Additionally, the reserve protects 12 species of national second-class protected animals, further enhancing its conservation value.
Reserve Management and Protection
Since its upgrade to provincial status in 2013, the Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve has received significant attention and investment. In 2015, over 1.653 million yuan was allocated for various conservation projects, including:
- Renovation of the reserve’s management facilities
- Construction of spillways, biological dams, and water retention dams
- Compensation for agricultural losses caused by the protected wildlife
Major Projects in 2015
The Dabailonghaizi Water Retention Dam (大白龙海子湿地恢复工程拦水坝) was constructed as part of the wetland restoration project. This dam played a critical role in raising groundwater levels and improving the wetland’s overall ecological health.
In the same year, the reserve was officially designated as a non-commercial forest, which further emphasized its conservation goals. Additionally, 12 biological dams were built within the core area of the reserve. These efforts helped slow surface water runoff, which allowed the wetland ecosystem to gradually recover.
Growing Population of Black-necked Cranes
The population of black-necked cranes in the reserve has been steadily increasing. In 2014, the reserve was home to 27 cranes, and by 2016, this number had risen to 45. This increase highlights the success of the reserve’s conservation efforts in providing a safe and sustainable habitat for the black-necked cranes.
Special Characteristics of the Reserve
The Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve is notable for being the southernmost wintering site for black-necked cranes. The cranes typically arrive at the reserve between the ninth day of the ninth lunar month and the third day of the third lunar month the following year, making it a vital location for their winter migration.
Due to its strategic location, the reserve is also closely bordered by the towns of Liushao (六哨), Diansha (甸沙), and Jinsuo (金所). The proximity of these towns helps ensure the availability of resources like grain and food supplies, which support both the wildlife and conservation efforts.
The Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve is a vital conservation site for the protection of black-necked cranes and other rare species in Yunnan Province. Its successful upgrade to provincial status and the ongoing conservation projects are crucial for maintaining the health of this unique ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it. The increasing number of black-necked cranes reflects the effectiveness of these efforts, making the reserve an important example of successful wildlife conservation in China.
