Wildlife in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) is located in Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). As the southernmost large snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, its main peak, Shanzidou (扇子陡), reaches an altitude of 5,596 meters. It is not only a famous tourist destination but also a habitat for many rare wild animals. The pristine forests of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve (玉龙雪山省级自然保护区) are home to a variety of rare wildlife species.

Wildlife Species

  • Yellow-throated Monal-Partridge (黄喉雉鹑): A Class I nationally protected wildlife species, this is a rare alpine bird.
  • Forest Musk Deer (林麝): A Class I nationally protected wildlife species, this small deer feeds on leaves, twigs, and herbs.
  • White-speckled Laughingthrush (白点噪鹛): A Class I nationally protected wildlife species, this is a small bird.
  • White Eared-Pheasant (白马鸡): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this large pheasant inhabits alpine meadows and shrublands.
  • Red Muntjac (赤麂): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this small deer feeds on leaves, twigs, and herbs.
  • Lady Amherst’s Pheasant (白腹锦鸡): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this large pheasant is known for its vibrant plumage.
  • Blood Pheasant (血雉): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this small pheasant lives in alpine meadows and shrublands.
  • Giant Laughingthrush (大噪鹛): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this is a small bird.
  • Yellow-throated Marten (黄喉貂): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this small carnivore preys on small mammals.
  • Leopard Cat (豹猫): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this small feline feeds on small mammals and birds.
  • Chinese Goral (中华斑羚): A Class II nationally protected wildlife species, this small antelope is skilled at leaping and climbing steep cliffs.

Conservation Measures

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Nature Reserve monitors wildlife using infrared cameras and other equipment to study species composition, distribution, population numbers, and conservation management. In recent years, strengthened protection measures have significantly improved wildlife habitats, leading to a steady increase in populations and the formation of a complete biological chain within their ecosystems.

Note

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) boasts rich and diverse wildlife resources, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity. While admiring the stunning mountain scenery, visitors should also take care to protect wildlife and their habitats.