C.chenyungiana Z.P.Lei,Z.H.Chen et X.F.Jin

Osmanthus austrozhejiangensis Z. H. Chen, W. Y. Xie & Xi Liu

Causonis montana Z. H. Chen, Y. F. Lu & X. F. Jin

Omphalotrigonotis taishunensis Shao Z. Yang, W. W. Pan & J. P. Zhong

Cirsium zhejiangense Z. H. Chen & X. F. Jin

P.atropurpurea P.L. Chiu ex Z.H. Chen et X.F. Jin

Meehania zheminensis A. Takano, Pan Li & G. H. Xia

Seven new plant species were found in this scientific investigation. Photos from Wuyanling Management Center

A press conference was recently held in Taishun to present the comprehensive scientific research findings on biodiversity in Wuyanling National Nature Reserve, located in Zhejiang Province. After three years of thorough investigation, researchers have discovered 10 new species and recorded 1609 new instances of geographical distribution. These findings have enriched Wenzhou’s biological treasure house.

The comprehensive scientific research on biodiversity began in June 2020, covering the entire area of Wuyanling Nature Reserve and some of its surroundings. The research confirmed the presence of 436 species of bryophytes, belonging to 186 genera and 76 families in 34 orders. Additionally, there are 2518 species of vascular plants, belonging to 958 genera and 215 families, 458 species of macrofungi, belonging to 182 genera and 77 families in 21 orders, 451 species of vertebrates, belonging to 119 families in 33orders, and 2736 species of insects, belonging to 1581 genera and 258 families in 27 orders.

Among the newly discovered 10 species, there are 7 new plants, including 1 new plant variant, and 2 new insect species. The 1609 new records of geographical distribution include 520 new plants, 62 new mosses, 349 new macrofungi, 64 new vertebrates, and 614 new insects.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the ecological “family background” of Wuyanling, researchers, mainly from Forest Resources Monitoring Center for Zhejiang Province, Wuyanling Management Center, universities and research institutes, were divided into 10 groups, focusing differently on bryophytes, vascular plants, vegetation, macrofungi, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and insects. By utilizing various advanced techniques and methods, the research team conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and systematic investigation of the ecological environment and biodiversity within the reserve.

As a result, they gained several significant achievements. They successfully implemented grid infrared camera monitoring throughout the entire reserve, capturing 320,000 infrared camera images for the first time. They also employed high-precision 3D data to conduct vegetation zoning and quantitative analysis of vegetation resources within the reserve. Additionally, the investigation of bats, fish, mosses, and macrofungi resources was carried out, resulting in taking photos and videos of numerous rare animals, including Viverricula indica, Manis, Martes flavigula, Elaphodus cephalophus, Macaca thibetana, Protobothrops cornutus, and Boiga multomaculata.

The discovery of new species, as reported, has further enriched the "natural biological gene pool" and expanded the biodiversity within Wuyanling Nature Reserve. The comprehensive evaluation of the diversity of species and ecosystem has provided a scientific basis for enhancing biodiversity conservation and management in the reserve. Furthermore, the findings will serve as a reference for other nature reserves looking to conduct comprehensive scientific research.