BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION IN CHINA: A VIEW FROM ENTOMOLOGSTS

Abstract

Abstract China is among the twelve megadiversity countries in the world and one of the two countries with the highest biodiversity and endemism in Asia and South‐Pacific region. China has the highest mountain system of the world and different types of environments inhabited by living organisms, ranging from the Palaearctic to Oriental Realms. These characteristics account for the magnificent species diversity and high level of endemism. Insects of 45 000 species have been recorded in China by now. The total endemic elements are obviously much more than the neighbouring countries. Especially in the south‐west mountainous region and tropical areas the endemic elements occupy high proportions. The human disturbances, original habitat losses due to reclamation, deforestation, pollution, etc., are driving undetermined number of species to be endangered or extinct. Recommendations of China's insect conservation are hereon presented: identifying conservation priorities, investigating the biology and ecology of endangered species, monitoring habitat and diversity losses, compiling the “Red List” and the database of rare and endangered species, establishing reserves for insect conservation, and developing techniques of insect farming and ranching.