Table of Content

15 June 2024, Volume 9 Issue 6

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On the History of the Scientific Expedition for Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake

Hu Xiaokang, , , , , Wang Tao, , , , , Yang Liquan, , , ,

2024, 9(6):  1. 

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Objective: To sort out the works in history, describe the historical process, and summarize the historical achievements of
the scientific expedition for Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake, and put forward suggestions for future scientific expedition. Methods:Based on retrieving and investigating literature and taking the history of biological science expedition as the main line of discourse, the history of scientific expedition for Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake was divided into different stages according to the characteristics of the development process of Chinese society since modern times, and the specific works and main achievements of each stage were elaborated. Results: The modern scientific expedition for Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake region was initiated in 1882 by Westerners represented by Père Jean Marie Delavay. In 1919, Zhong Guanguang（ also known as Tsoong Kuan-Kwang） came to Cangshan mountain and collected specimens, which was the first time for Chinese to investigate Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake. So far, the scientific expedition in this region has gone through four main development stages, i.e., the initial stage before the founding of the People′s Republic of China （before 1949）, the early period of the People′s Republic of China （1949-1977）, the first 20 years of reform and opening up（ 1978-2000）, and the latest 20 years（ 2001 to present）. After more than 140 years of accumulation of scientific expedition, we have a systematic understanding of the species resources and its distributions of plants, macrofungi and some animal groups （i.e., mammals, birds, fish, and some insects） of the Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the physical geography, geology, and ecological environment resources in this region. The plant hunters represented by George Forrest had brought back many plant germplasm resources from this region to Europe and the United States, which greatly promoted the development of horticulture and landscape architecture and the associated industry in Western countries. Conclusion: The scientific expedition for Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake has a long history and rich contents, which is rare in China, and had made significant contributions to
the development of modern biology, especially botany. In the future, it is necessary to further strengthen investigations in biology, ecology, and environmental science, which aimed at answering important questions, and thus promote the progress of science. For instance, the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecological environmental, and the sustainable development of human society in the context of intensive human activities and global change. Furthermore, to coordinate the requirements of the management of national nature reserves and the social needs of the application of technology for resource exploitation and utilization, thereby making Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake better serve the development of regional economy and society.


Natural Geography of Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve

Chen Youjun , , ,

2024, 9(6):  19. 

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In 2020, the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, relying on Dali University, initiated a twoand-
a-half-year （2020.07-2022.12） comprehensive scientific expedition of the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve in Yunnan
Province （hereinafter referred to as the "Reserve"）. Among them, the natural geographic condition is the precursor and foundation of the scientific expedition. The project team adopted the methods of literature collection, field investigation and "3S" technology to sort out and analyze the natural geography of Reserve. The results of the project provide a reference basis for a comprehensive understanding of the natural geography of Reserve, as well as for the rational protection and effective management of the natural resources in Reserve.


Land Use Pattern in Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve

Hu Changping, Jiang Jianfa, Wang Youbing, Li Yanan, Wang Sheng

2024, 9(6):  24. 

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Objective: To understand the land use structure and characteristics of Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province （hereinafter referred to as the "Reserve"）, master the landscape pattern of land use, and provide guidance for the integration, optimization and protection management of the Reserve. Methods: Based on relevant survey data and GIS technology, the current land use status, landscape pattern, and conflicts in the Reserve were analyzed. Results: The Cangshan area is mainly composed
of forests and grasslands （accounting for 96.43% of the total area）, while the Erhai area is mainly composed of water bodies
（accounting for 98.02% of the total area）. The landscape shapes of forest land, water bodies, and grasslands in the study area are relatively regular, with low fragmentation and less human interference. The landscape diversity of the Reserve is relatively rich, but the distribution is uneven. The area of various contradictions and conflicts in the Reserve accounts for 2.44% of the total area of the Reserve. The contradictions and conflicts plots are mainly distributed in buffer zones and experimental zones, with cultivated land and collective artificial commercial forests as the main types. Mining land, urban construction, and villages have the greatest impact on the Reserve. Conclusion: The land structure of the Reserve is relatively reasonable, and the management of the Cangshan area should focus on forest fire prevention, biodiversity protection, and geological relic protection. The Erhai area should focus on wetland protection, especially the maintenance and improvement of water quality, as well as the protection of aquatic animals and plants.


Dynamic of Forest Resources in Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve

Li Yanan, Wang Sheng, Wang Youbing, Jiang Jianfa, Hu Changping

2024, 9(6):  31. 

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Objective: To understand the dynamic changes of forest resources in the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province （hereinafter referred to as the "Reserve"） over the past 20 years, and provide guidance for the preparation of
management plans for the Reserve. Methods: Based on the forest resource survey data of the research area in 2005 and 2015,
monitoring data of forest, grassland and wetland in 2021, and data of the third national land survey in the study area, use GIS
technology was used to carry out dynamic analysis of forest resources in Reserve. Results: Among various categories in Reserve, the area of forest is the largest and increasing year by year. In the three survey years, the forest and shrub were the main areas of forestry land, accounting for over 60.82% of the total area of the Reserve. The forest coverage rate of the Reserve has increased year by year between 2005 and 2015, and the forest cover increase between 2015 and 2021. The storage volume is mainly composed of forest land and increases year by year. The area and growing stock of arbor forests is mainly composed of Quercus spp. Pinus yunnanensis, Pinus armandi, and Abies delavayi. The area and growing stock of each tree species is increasing year by year; The proportion of young, middle-aged, near mature, and mature forests in the arbor forest is relatively balanced, while the area of over mature forests is relatively small; The degree of crown density in each year is mainly medium, and the area and growing stock of arbor forests with a crown density level of medium and dense have been increasing year by year. Conclusion: The forest quality and ecological protection function of the Reserve have been improving year by year, and the management of forest resources in the later stage is mainly to increase broad-leaved forests such as Fagaceae.


Distribution, Cover Changes and Community Succession of Vegetation in Cangshan Mountain

Chen Liling, , Ni Chunchen, , Li Zhifang, , Chen Youjun, , , , , Hu Xiaokang , , , , , Jiang Xianfeng, , , , , Liu Tianmeng, , , ,

2024, 9(6):  38. 

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The vegetation cover types and their distribute changes in Cangshan mountain were studied by combining vegetation ecological remote sensing and field investigations. Based remote sensing analysis of vegetation, the results showed the vertical vegetation spectrum distribution pattern was obvious in Cangshan mountain, and the community types and their interconversion in the
subalpine vegetation zone were complicated. The Abies delavayi forest, as the core protected object, was mainly distributed in the alpine zone of eastern slope. With the establishment of protected area, the fractional of vegetation coverage of Cangshan mountain increased significantly, and all functional zones had been fully restored to high coverage vegetation. Through the field vegetation community investigation, the community structure of Abies delavayi forest and Lithocarpus variolosus forest was stable, and at some elevations, the communities of Pinus yunnanensis forest, Pinus armandi forest and Alnus nepalensis forest were at risk of decline. Compared to the previous single method of scientific investigation, this remote sensing image could effectively improve the deciphering of vegetation cover types and their interconversions in Cangshan mountain. At the same time, the results from remote sensing analysis and field investigation can support each other well. However, it is still necessary to conduct field investigations and verifications of subformation, alliance and association of various vegetation communities.


Diversity of Vascular Plants in Cangshan Mountain

Jiang Xianfeng, , , , Liu Tianmeng, , , , Lu Jia, , Zhou Yefu, , , Hu Xiaokang, , ,

2024, 9(6):  47. 

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Objective: This study aims to comprehensively assess the diversity and conservation status of vascular plants in Cangshan

mountain. Methods: The abundance and population size of rare and endangered plant species in Cangshan mountain were assessed through a combination of historical document analysis, specimen record examination, field investigations for the analysis of the angiosperm flora. Results: A total of 3 246 plant species （including 49 subspecies, 227 varieties, and 2 variants）were documented in Cangshan mountain of Dali, belonging to 208 families and 996 genera. There are 360 fern species belonging to 36 families and 89 genera （including 9 varieties）, 20 gymnosperm species belonging to 8 families and 14 genera （including 4 varieties）, and 2 866 angiosperm species belonging to 164 families and 893 genera （including 49 subspecies, 214 varieties, and 2 variants）. Among them, there are 62 species of nationally protected wild plants, 6 species of Yunnan Province′s key protected wild plants, and 2 species of extremely small population protection objects. Conclusion: Cangshan mountain exhibits high vascular plant diversity and is home to numerous model and rare plant species. However, the number of endemic plants is relatively low.

Diversity of Macrofungi in Cangshan Mountain

Su Xijun, , , , He Jun, , Niu Kaiyang, , Han Lin, , Zhang Zhengquan, , Luo Zonglong, , , , Yang Liquan , , ,

2024, 9(6):  59. 

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Objective: In order to investigate the macrofungal species resources in Cangshan mountain, to discuss the relationship between different elevations, vegetation types and macrofungal diversity, and propose suggestions for reasonable protection and
utilization. Methods: The collected samples were analyzed by random sampling and line transect investigations, and identified based on the morphological characteristics and molecular sequence data. Subsequently, the species composition and geographical fauna characteristics were figured out. Results: 2 490 specimens of macrofungi were collected in Cangshan mountain, a total of 400 species were identified, belonging to 147 genera, 59 families, 18 orders, and 6 classes, including one new species Geastrum suae. There were 9 predominant families （with species number ≥10）, 15.25% of the known families, including Boletaceae 54 species, Russulaceae 51 species, Amanitaceae 33 species, Agaricaceae 29 species, Inocybaceae 15 species, Cortinariaceae 14 species, Lycoperdaceae 13 species, Physalacriaceae 13 species and Hygrophoraceae 11 species, 233 species in total, accounted for 58.25% of the total species. There were 6 dominant genera （with species number ≥10）, accounted for 4.08% of the known genera, namely Russula 30 species,Amanita 30 species, Lactarius 19 species, Boletus16 species, Agaricus12 species, Inocybe 11 species, 118 species, accounted for 29.50% of the total species. The evaluation of macrofungal resources revealed that 187 species are edible, 56 have medicinal properties, 83 are poisonous, 124 remain unidentified as edible or toxins, and 28 are domesticated. The distribution of macrofungal species in Cangshan mountain follows a typical single-peak distribution pattern, and the number of species climb up and then decline with the increase of altitude. In Cangshan mountain, macrofungi species were most abundant in broad-leaved forests, followed by coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, and the least abundant in coniferous forests. Besides, a small number of macrofungi were found under shrubs, in natural or artificial grasslands, and in cultivated areas. Conclusion: The resources of macrofungi in Cangshan mountain are abundant and hold significant potential for development, utilization, and scientific research. It is necessary to effectively protect and scientifically and rationally utilize the macrofungal resources in Cangshan mountain.



The Diversity of Large and Medium-Sized Mammals in the Cangshan Mountain

Yang Yunfei , , , , Zhao Canjun , Ma Chi , , ,

2024, 9(6):  67. 

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Objective: To investigate the status quo of large and medium-sized mammal diversity, reveal the spatial distribution pattern of species diversity in order to provide scientific basis for the protection of mammal resources in the Cangshan mountain.Methods: From July 2020 to December 2022, the current status of mammal diversity in Cangshan region was investigated by line transects, infrared automatic camera trap method, and interview method. Finally, 47 transect lines with total length of 52 km were

investigated, and 9 975 camera days from 60 infrared automatic cameras were implemented. Results: There were at least 19 species of large and medium-sized mammals distributed in the Cangshan mountain, including 9 species from first or second-class protection wildlife lists of China such as Moschus berezovskii and Ailurus styani, and the species richness of Carnivora and Cetartiodactyla was the highest. The mammal species diversity was decreased with the increase of altitude, and was related to the vegetation type. Conclusion:Large carnivora animals are vulnerable in biodiversity conservation, and the habitats of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and broad-leaved forest at low altitude have higher value for the conservation of large and medium-sized mammals.

Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles in Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Region

Li Limei, , Li Guowei, , Wang Jishen, , ,

2024, 9(6):  74. 

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Through literature documentation, folk interviews, field investigations, and specimen examination, a survey was conducted
for the amphibians and reptiles in Cangshan mountain and Erhai lake region from August 2020 to November 2023. The main results are as follows（: 1）The amphibians and reptiles in the region are listed, involving 2 classes, 3 orders, 20 families, 44 genera and 62 species, in which seven are ClassⅡ Nationally Protected Animals, 35 are "Nationally Protected Animals with Three Values", six are evaluated vulnerable, and four are endangered. （2）The distributional and faunal characteristics of amphibians and reptiles in the region are discussed and compared with surrounding areas. （3）Based on the survey results, proposals are given regarding the protection and management of the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles in the region.


Diversity of Birds in Cangshan Mountain

Dai Kaixing, , Zheng Junhui, , Chen Lishen, , , Li Guo, Han Lianxian, Li Depin, Yun Yuchuan

2024, 9(6):  83. 

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In order to determine status of bird diversity of the Cangshan National Nature Reserve （CSNNR）, we conducted field work
through line transect, point transect and camera-trapping on birds of the Reserve from September 2020 to June 2022. There are 230 species of birds found in the CSNNR, belonging to 13 orders, 50 families and 135 genus in the CSNNR. Two species are listed as Class I national protected animals including Ciconia nigra and Syrmaticus humiae, while 31 species are listed as Class Ⅱ national protected animals, including Chrysolophusam herstiae, Falco tinnunculus, Ictinaetus malayensis, Lophura nycthemera, etc. In addition, a total of 4 Chinese endemic birds were recorded in the CSNNR, namely Garrulax elliotii、Turdus mupinensis、Moupinia poecilotis and Sitta yunnanensis. In terms of faunal composition, oriental birds dominated the avian fauna and were followed by widespread species, while Palaearctic birds were not recorded in the CSNNR. The survey enriched the basic data of bird resource diversity of CSNNR, and also provided scientific basis for bird resource protection in the CSNNR.


Diversity of Tetrigoidea Insects（ Orthoptera: Caelifera） in Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Region

Song Hong, , Yin Zhilong, , Wang Xun, , Yu Honglei, , Du Zhuangzhuang, , Mao Benyong, , , , Li Miao, , ,

2024, 9(6):  95. 

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Through an investigation of Tetrigoidea insects in Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province from September 2020 to September 2023, a total of 24 species of Tetrigoidea insects belonging to 12 genera and 3 families were obtained.Combined with the previous records, there are known 39 species of Tetrigoidea in 16 genera and 4 families in Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province.


A Comparative Study of Sampling Methods on the Collected Insect Communities in Cangshan Mountain

Li Xiaolong , , Zi Dongdong , , Yang Guohui , , ,

2024, 9(6):  98. 

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To determine the effects of different sampling methods on the structural characteristics of insect communities, the wet
evergreen broad-leaved forest on the eastern of Cangshan mountain was taken as the study site, and four sampling methods, which are the Malaise trap method （MS）, the ground trap method （XJ）, the light trap method （DY）, and the net method （SW）, were used to conduct the survey of insect communities for one year, and compare the structural characteristics of insect communities obtained by the different sampling methods, analyze the differences in results, and clarify the advantages, disadvantages, and substitutability of different sampling methods. The results showed that among the 59 families and 13 340 insects collected, 41 families and 6 896 heads were captured by MS, 6 201 specimens belonging to 31 families were captured by XJ, 141 specimens belonging to 24 families were captured by DY and 102 specimens belonging to 22 families were captured by SW. Comparing the number of families, species, and individuals collected by different sampling methods, the MS is the best, followed by the XJ and DY, and the WB is the worst. There are differences in the advantageous groups of different sampling methods. There are significant differences in community similarity among the four methods （Cs≤0.60）. Except for the combinations of SW+XJ, DY+XJ and SW+XJ+DY, other combinations have similar sampling effects and can be replaced.


Diversity and Population Spatiotemporal Pattern of Waterfowl in Erhai Lake

Mao Jinbin, , Wu Sibo, , Xi Mansong, Li Hang, Zhou Jun, ,

2024, 9(6):  103. 

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In order to know status quo of waterfowl resource in Erhai lake, investigation of waterfowl resource was carried out from March, 2021 to February, 2022. Results showed 67 species of waterfowl belonging to 13 families and 9 orders were recorded, there were
40 kinds of Palaearctic species, 17 kinds of Widespread species and 10 kinds of Oriental species. Winter migratory birds accounted for 59.70%, resident birds accounted for 13.43%, transit birds accounted for 13.43%, summer migratory birds accounted for 11.94% and straggler birds accounted for 1.50%. The highest recorded number of waterfowl in the entire lake was over 86 000, including approximately 64 000 Fulica atra. More species and quantity in the south, west and north of Erhai lake were recorded, but those of that were less recorded in the east of Erhai lake. 3 species of national Class I protected birds and 7 species of national Class Ⅱ protected birds were recorded. The diversity of waterfowl in Erhai lake was steadily changing for the better.


Diversity of Fish in Erhai Lake

Zhong Chuanyan, , Li Gang , Chu Weile, , Shen Jian, , Feng Jimeng , , Long Xiaowen, ,

2024, 9(6):  108. 

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The historical fauna changes and current situation of fish in Erhai lake was analyzed by reviewing the literature about Erhai fish since the 1950s, and combining the field sampling surveys and the visiting surveys in 2022. There were 54 species of fish recorded in the Erhai lake, belonging to 7 orders, 14 families and 31 genera, including 20 species of indigenous fish, 9 species of endemic indigenous species and 1 species of national second-class protected animal（ Schizothorax taliensis） by 2022. A total of 23 species of fish were found in the 2022 Erhai lake fish survey, belonging to 4 orders and 9 families, including Cyprinidae accounting for 60.87% of the total number of fish species, other fish accounted for 39.13%, including Cobitidae, Eleotridae, Gobiieae, Channidae, Salangidae, Osmeridae, Bagridae, and Siluridae. Rhinogobius giurinus, Hemiculter leucisculus, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco and Hypomesus nipponensis were the dominant species in Erhai lake. The survey found Carassius auratus red var to be a newly recorded species in the Erhai Lake. The composition of the fish community in the Erhai lake showed a significant decrease in the number of indigenous species, a gradual increase in the number of invasive species and their dominance, with economic fish and small fish as the current dominant species.