Site: Zhanjiang Mangrove National Nature Reserve

Designation date: 11-01-2002

Coordinates: 20°54'N 110°08'E

Elevation: 0 m - 3 m

Area: 20,279 ha

Location: The Nature Reserve is located at the southernmost tip of mainland China on the Leizhou peninsula.

Criteria: 1 ,2 ,3

Importance: The Zhanjiang mangrove forest, the largest mangrove forest wetland reserve in China, is representative of a northern tropical coastal mangrove forest. The mangrove forest harbours 24 species of mangrove plants. Lumnitzera racemosa, Ceriops tagal and Heritiera littoralis are endangered species found in the Zhanjiang mangrove forest. The mangrove forest provides offshore fish with a good place for sheltering, feeding and spawning. Migrating fish pass through the area as well.

Wetland Types: I (dominant types shown in bold)

Mangrove forests and mudflats.

Biological/Ecological notes: The site forms an important part of the mangrove forest ecosystem in Northern Bay. The dominant plant communities of the Zhanjiang mangrove forest include those of Rhizophora stylosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Kandelia candel. The introduced Sonneratia caseolaris has grown into shrubs, which together with the local varieties, rapidly constitute mangrove forests communities with a two-layer structure. There is a rich biodiversity with 82 species of birds, 11 species of fish of economic importance, 44 species of Crustacea, 48 species of other shellfish, 126 species of zooplankton, 256 species of algae and 133 species of insects.

Hydrological/Physical notes: The Leizhou peninsula is flat with a winding coastline and many small islands. There are three rivers that empty into the sea at this site, each of which brings a large quantity of freshwater, nutrients and silt, forming a gradient in salinity. The mangrove forest traps floating particles of silt and other material, clearing the sea water and enabling other plants to take root. They are also effective in reducing erosion from waves and they lessen the impact of the tides. Mean annual rainfall is about 1,535 mm, average annual minimum and maximum temperatures are -1.4ºC and 38.8ºC, respectively.

Human Uses: When the Reserve was established, land tenure came under jurisdiction of the State. Land tenure and land ownership in the surrounding areas are in hands of local collectives and individuals. Fishing and aquaculture are practiced within the Reserve. In the surrounding, area there is agriculture and fishing. Surveys and research are conducted on a regular basis on the Reserve by the South China Institute of Botany, the China Academy of Sciences, the Hong Kong Chinese University, Xiamen University, the Institute of Tropical Forestry of the China Academy of Forestry Sciences, Guangzhou Normal University, Guangdong Academy of Forestry Sciences and the South China University of Agriculture, as well as by some foreign experts. A station has been built for research and educational purposes. There are some small facilities for tourism and recreation in the area.

Conservation Measures: In 1991, the Zhanjiang Provincial Mangrove Forest Nature Reserve was established with an area of 1,533 ha. In December 1997, the Reserve was designated as a National Reserve and enlarged to 20,000 ha. In 1999, a Master Plan of Zhanjiang National Mangrove Forest Nature Reserve was implemented. This included the implementation of regulations by the Municipal government of Zhanjiang, protecting mangrove forest resources. A public awareness campaign was launched with the participation of the local media. Coordination of the relationship between the Nature Reserve and the surrounding communities commenced. Patrols have been started to protect the mangroves. A Dutch-funded project to support the protection of the mangroves was started in September 2001. This project is aimed at comprehensive management of the mangrove forest in the Leizhou peninsula and the protection of coastal forest belts. Reintroduction of Sonneratia caseolaris for Hainan province appears successful and has improved the growth and rehabilitation of local mangrove forests.

Adverse Factors: The main threat to the site is the changes in coastal mudflats through the construction of salt ponds, piers, roads, fish and shrimp ponds and the conversion of farmlands. Pollution caused by oil and heavy metals and the uncontrolled collection of mangrove forest products has severely affected the growth of mangrove seedlings. Wastewater from two small sugar factories in the catchment area has resulted in the eutrophication of nearby mudflats, further impairing the growth of the mangrove forests. These factories have now been closed.

Site Management: Forestry Department of Guangdong Province, No. 343 Zhongshan Qilu Guangzhuo, Guangdong, China, 510173. Tel: +86-759-333434.

External Link:

Based on the 2001 Ramsar Information Sheet.