Plant Biodiversity in China: Richly Varied, Endangered, and in Need of Conservation |
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Authors: | Jordi López-Pujol Fu-Min Zhang Song Ge |
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Institution: | (1) GReB, Laboratori de Botànica, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII s/n, E-08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;(2) Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100093 Beijing, The People's Republic of China |
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Abstract: | China is among the world's richest countries in terms of plant biodiversity. Besides the abundant flora, containing some 33,000
vascular plants (30,000 angiosperms, 250 gymnosperms, and 2600 pteridophytes), there is extraordinary ecosystem diversity,
as well as a large pool of both wild and cultivated germplasms. China is also considered one of the main centers of origin
and diversification for seed plants on Earth, and is especially profuse in phylogenetically primitive taxa and/or paleoendemics
due to the refuge role glaciation played during the Quaternary period. The collision with the Indian subcontinent significantly
enriched Chinese flora and led to the formation of many neoendemisms. However, flora distribution remains uneven, and some
local floristic hotspots are found across China, such as Yunnan, Sichuan and Taiwan. Unfortunately, this biodiversity faces
enormous threats, which have increased substantially over the last 50 years. The combined effects of habitat destruction and/or
fragmentation, environmental contamination, over-exploitation of natural resources, and to a lesser extent, introduction of
exotic species, have caused irreparable damage to China's plant biodiversity. Burgeoning economic and population growth have
also contributed to this deterioration. It is believed that up to 5000 flora species are currently endangered in China, with
some taxa having already become extinct. Although in recent years government authorities have made some efforts to preserve
biodiversity, much work remains to be done. While China has established an extensive network of nature reserves and protected
areas, encompassing more than 16% of the total land area, insufficient budgetary and staffing commitments are common limitations
in their management structures. Ex-situ conservation is also deficient, primarily because the botanical gardens are not representative of several local floras, nor
are they often of adequate size or representative of endangered species. The lack of effective and efficient environmental
legislation and education are also problems that continue to accelerate the loss of plant biodiversity in China. |
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Keywords: | Biodiversity Conservation Endemic Flora Hong Kong Mainland China Taiwan Threatened |
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