Qinghua Green Peafowl Nature Reserve in Weishan County, Dali

The Qinghua Green Peafowl Nature Reserve (巍山青华绿孔雀自然保护区) is located in Weishan County (巍山县), Yunnan Province (云南省), specifically in Qinghua Township (青华乡) around Beiyin Qing (背阴箐), Huangjiafen (黄家坟), and Baoziwo (豹子窝). This reserve primarily aims to protect the green peafowl (绿孔雀, Pavo muticus), a nationally protected first-class species, as well as second-class protected species such as the white pheasant (白鹇, Lophura nycthemera), white-bellied golden pheasant (白腹锦鸡, Chrysolophus amherstiae), the Sumatran serow (苏门羚, Capricornis sumatraensis), and the pangolin (穿山甲, Manis pentadactyla), along with their habitats.

In 2022, staff from the Dali Weishan Qinghua Green Peafowl Provincial Nature Reserve Administration discovered the giant ibis (巨䴓) for the first time in the reserve during routine patrols. On November 30, 2023, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced that the Qinghua area of Weishan was included in the "Directory of Important Terrestrial Wildlife Habitats (First Batch)."

Key Information

Historical Background

The Qinghua Green Peafowl Nature Reserve was established in 1988 and upgraded to a provincial nature reserve in 1997. On November 30, 2023, the reserve's importance was further highlighted by its inclusion in the National Directory of Important Terrestrial Wildlife Habitats.

Geographic Environment

Location

The reserve is situated in the Beiyin Qing, Huangjiafen, and Baoziwo areas of Qinghua Township, approximately 47 kilometers from Weishan County (巍山县) city center. It encompasses the village committees of Zhongyao, Xiyao, Yangjiang, and Yinchang, located between longitudes 100°11′35″ to 100°14′50″ and latitudes 24°49′45″ to 25°10′0″.

Geological Features

The reserve spans an area of 1,000 hectares, with the highest elevation reaching 2,010.2 meters and the lowest at 1,146 meters near Yangjiang. Major habitats for the green peafowl include Baoziwo, Huangjiafen, and Beiyin Qing.

Climate Conditions

The reserve features significant elevation variations, creating a distinct vertical climate. The average annual temperature ranges from 16 to 20°C, with annual precipitation between 600 to 800 millimeters and an aridity index of 1.44 to 1.83, indicating a dry to semi-dry climate.

Hydrology

The reserve is enriched with water resources, featuring the Longfeng River (龙凤河) and Zhongyao River (中窑河) flowing through it.

Soil Composition

The geology mainly consists of Mesozoic and Paleozoic strata, with significant areas of Mesozoic Jurassic and Paleozoic Triassic formations. The soil types include red soil and purple soil, with some areas having deep humus. Valley soils near the mountains are mostly yellow clay and black soil.

Conservation Objectives

The primary conservation targets of the reserve include:

First-Class Protected Species:

• Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)

Second-Class Protected Species:

• White Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera)
• White-bellied Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae)
• Sumatran Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis)
• Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)

Management Regulations

To effectively manage the reserve, the following regulations have been established based on relevant laws such as the Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, the Nature Reserve Regulations, and Yunnan's Nature Reserve Regulations:

1. Hunting activities (including traps and nets) are strictly prohibited within the reserve.
2. Deforestation, land reclamation, charcoal burning, and lime production are not allowed, and grazing in green peafowl feeding areas is prohibited.
3. Violators of these regulations will face confiscation of hunting tools, fines, and possible escalation to higher authorities for severe cases.
4. Units and individuals contributing significantly to the protection of the green peafowl will receive government recognition and rewards.

These regulations have been in effect since October 2008.

Ecological Significance

The green peafowl is a highly precious large bird and is classified as a first-class protected species in China. Yunnan is the only province where green peafowls are found, primarily in the southwestern part of the province. Due to ecological changes and human hunting, the green peafowl population has dwindled, making it exceedingly rare in places like Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), which is known as the homeland of peacocks. Therefore, the existence of the Qinghua Green Peafowl Nature Reserve provides a crucial sanctuary for the green peafowl, holding significant importance for research and ecological balance.

How to Get There

By Car: From Weishan County, head towards Qinghua Township, following the signs to the nature reserve. It is approximately a 47-kilometer drive.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for birdwatching is during the spring and autumn months when migratory birds are present.
• Bring Binoculars: For optimal viewing of wildlife, binoculars are highly recommended.
• Respect the Environment: Follow all guidelines to preserve the natural habitat and protect wildlife.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking in natural terrain.