Qionglai–Minshan conifer forests explained

Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests
Map:File:Ecoregion PA0518 - Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests.png
Map Size:300
Map Alt:Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Biogeographic Realm:Palearctic
Biome:Temperate coniferous forests
Country:China

The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests are a World Wide Fund for Nature ecoregion in Southwest China. These forests are classified as temperate coniferous forests and are part of the Palearctic realm.

Geography

The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests cover the mountains along the easternmost edge of the Tibetan Plateau including the Min Mountains, Qionglai Mountains, Daxue Mountains, and Daliang Mountains. In addition to these mountain ranges, the lower reaches of the Dadu River valley support significant portions of the forests. The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests are found almost entirely within western Sichuan, but small portions can also be found in southern Gansu and extreme northeast Yunnan.[1]

Flora and fauna

The understories of the Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests commonly feature bamboo. This ecoregion is one of the last remaining habitats where wild giant pandas can be found, alongside red pandas, clouded leopards, musk deer, Sichuan takin, and golden snub-nosed monkeys.[2] [3]

Protected areas

Conservation areas and scenic spots within the Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests include Wolong National Nature Reserve and Jiuzhaigou Valley.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests. Global Species. Myers Enterprises II. 30 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830153632/http://www.globalspecies.org/ecoregions/display/PA0518. 30 August 2017. dead.
  2. Web site: Eastern Asia: Southern China. WWF. World Wildlife Fund. 30 August 2017.
  3. Web site: Qionglai-Minshan Conifer Forests . 2023-11-29 . One Earth . en.