Students' southern exposure deepens knowledge of nature

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

Visit to rich, biodiverse Kuankuoshui reserve opens eyes to nation's ecological treasures. Zhao Yimeng reports from Suiyang county, Guizhou.

College student Li Yuanfei was excited about the survey of Kuankuoshui National Nature Reserve in Southwest China's Guizhou province in late November.

"It was my first acquisition of knowledge in the southern habitat and the first time I participated in multidisciplinary scientific research," the 19-year-old said.

Li and seven other students and teachers from Beijing Forestry University participated in the survey of the nature reserve in Suiyang county, one of the country's most important bird habitats and a major population area of endangered leaf monkeys.

Majoring in wildlife conservation and management, the students joined wildlife experts on a three-day tour of northern Guizhou's mountainous areas, to conduct surveys of flagship species in the reserve.

Rich in bird species, the reserve is an ideal bird-watching site, especially for three colorful species — the Asian emerald cuckoo, the golden-breasted fulvetta, and the golden parrotbill.

Hu Canshi, an associate professor at Guizhou University's College of Life Science, said nearly half of all bird species in Guizhou can be found in the Kuankuoshui nature reserve.

"Over 240 bird species were recorded recently during a bird festival in the reserve, while about 500 bird species have been found in the province," said Hu, who is also a bird expert at the provincial wildlife protection association.