Xinhua
18 Aug 2024, 13:16 GMT+10
LHASA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have established a classification system for the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem based on integrating remote sensing technology and ground surveys, contributing greatly to the analysis of changes in the ecosystem and biodiversity of the plateau.
They have completed a 1:500,000 grassland vegetation map, a 1:500,000 soil map of the plateau and a distribution map of the alpine tree line spanning 2,400 km across the Himalayas, according to data released by the second scientific expedition and research team to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau on Sunday.
"These maps reveal the spatial pattern and dynamic changes of the ecosystem and improve our assessment of ecosystem quality and its service functions," said Ouyang Zhiyun, a researcher at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The maps also support the formulation of biodiversity conservation strategies and the overall layout planning for the national parks on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
The expedition team has also conducted extensive field investigations in vulnerable and critical areas of the plateau, leading to a series of new discoveries in biodiversity. They have published over 3,000 new species, including 205 new animal species, 388 new plant species and 2,593 new microbial species.
The local government in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has designated over 600,000 square km of its land as ecological conservation redlines, accounting for more than 50 percent of the region's total land area.
Xizang has 47 nature reserves of various levels and types, covering a total area of 412,200 square km. The area of ecologically functional land, including forests, grasslands, wetlands and water bodies, has increased to 1.08 million square km.
China initiated the second scientific expedition and research of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in August 2017, intending to reveal the mechanism of environmental change and provide scientific support for the ecological security of the plateau.
Get a daily dose of Shanghai Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Shanghai Sun.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. President...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant ruling last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for users...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghanistan, long associated with war and instability, is quietly trying to rebrand itself as a destination for...
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 4 (ANI): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged newly elected sarpanchs and gram panchayat members...
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh has reported cumulative losses of over 495 crore and at least 69...
Balrampur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 4 (ANI): The Chhattisgarh Government is celebrating Water Conservation Week under the 'More...
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is experiencing heavy rainfall, which has disrupted...
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Several houses have been damaged and vehicles washed away due to cloudburst and continuous...