Exploring the Wildlife Marvels of BRICS Nations: Focus on China
China, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife.
TroibNews 
China, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including several species that exist nowhere else in the world. In this article, we'll take a closer look at four of China's most iconic and endangered animals: the giant panda, the snub-nosed monkey, the crested ibis, and the Chinese white dolphin.
**The giant panda: A national symbol**
Widely regarded as China's most famous animal, the giant panda is an adored national symbol. These black-and-white bears primarily inhabit the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Despite their cuddly exterior, pandas are solitary and have a specialized diet that consists almost exclusively of bamboo. Due to robust conservation efforts, the population of wild giant pandas in China has grown from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 by 2024.
**The golden snub-nosed monkey: A curious primate**
Another species unique to China is the golden snub-nosed monkey, easily recognized by its distinctive upturned nose. Also referred to as Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, these primates thrive in the mountainous areas of central and southwestern China. They are known for their highly social nature, forming large groups and utilizing complex vocalizations for communication. Their diet mainly consists of leaves, fruits, and tender shoots.
**The crested ibis: A rediscovered bird**
Often referred to as the 'oriental gem,' the crested ibis, with its striking red crest and long black beak, represents a significant conservation success story. Once believed to be extinct in China, this bird was rediscovered in the 1980s in a secluded valley in Shaanxi Province, which led to captive breeding programs and intensified protection efforts. As a result, the global population of the crested ibis reached 11,000 according to statistics from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2023. These graceful birds primarily inhabit wetlands and forests, where they search for fish, amphibians, and insects.
**The Chinese white dolphin: A marine marvel**
The Chinese white dolphin is a captivating marine mammal found along China's coastlines. Known for their intelligence and social behavior, these dolphins are often spotted in pods of up to 20 individuals. Their diet is mostly carnivorous, consisting of fish, squid, and shrimp. Unlike many other dolphin species that are grey, adult Chinese white dolphins are easily recognizable due to their distinct pale pink coloration. It is estimated that around 6,000 of these dolphins exist globally, with approximately 4,000 found in Chinese waters.
**BRICS' wildlife wonders**
The BRICS nations encompass a wide range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these diverse ecosystems lies a wealth of wildlife, much of which is unique to these areas. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the extraordinary biodiversity present in the BRICS countries.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
**The giant panda: A national symbol**
Widely regarded as China's most famous animal, the giant panda is an adored national symbol. These black-and-white bears primarily inhabit the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Despite their cuddly exterior, pandas are solitary and have a specialized diet that consists almost exclusively of bamboo. Due to robust conservation efforts, the population of wild giant pandas in China has grown from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 by 2024.
**The golden snub-nosed monkey: A curious primate**
Another species unique to China is the golden snub-nosed monkey, easily recognized by its distinctive upturned nose. Also referred to as Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, these primates thrive in the mountainous areas of central and southwestern China. They are known for their highly social nature, forming large groups and utilizing complex vocalizations for communication. Their diet mainly consists of leaves, fruits, and tender shoots.
**The crested ibis: A rediscovered bird**
Often referred to as the 'oriental gem,' the crested ibis, with its striking red crest and long black beak, represents a significant conservation success story. Once believed to be extinct in China, this bird was rediscovered in the 1980s in a secluded valley in Shaanxi Province, which led to captive breeding programs and intensified protection efforts. As a result, the global population of the crested ibis reached 11,000 according to statistics from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2023. These graceful birds primarily inhabit wetlands and forests, where they search for fish, amphibians, and insects.
**The Chinese white dolphin: A marine marvel**
The Chinese white dolphin is a captivating marine mammal found along China's coastlines. Known for their intelligence and social behavior, these dolphins are often spotted in pods of up to 20 individuals. Their diet is mostly carnivorous, consisting of fish, squid, and shrimp. Unlike many other dolphin species that are grey, adult Chinese white dolphins are easily recognizable due to their distinct pale pink coloration. It is estimated that around 6,000 of these dolphins exist globally, with approximately 4,000 found in Chinese waters.
**BRICS' wildlife wonders**
The BRICS nations encompass a wide range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these diverse ecosystems lies a wealth of wildlife, much of which is unique to these areas. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the extraordinary biodiversity present in the BRICS countries.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
