Ji’an Provincial Nature Reserve

Ji’an Provincial Nature Reserve

Ji’an Provincial Nature Reserve was officially approved by the Jilin Provincial Government on November 24, 2009. The reserve is situated in the northwest of Ji’an City, about 19 kilometers from the city center, with a total area of 13,821.6 hectares. Its geographical coordinates are 126°2'21″–126°17'57″ east longitude and 41°11'37″–41°21'40″ north latitude. The maximum east-west length of the reserve is 22 kilometers, and the maximum north-south width is 16.2 kilometers. Based on the nature of the reserve, the distribution pattern of key protected objects, and zoning principles, the reserve is divided into a core zone, a buffer zone, and an experimental zone. The core zone spans 4,903.7 hectares, accounting for 35.5% of the total area; the buffer zone covers 3,671.0 hectares, or 26.5%; and the experimental zone encompasses 5,246.9 hectares, making up 38.0% of the total.

Ji’an Nature Reserve primarily aims to protect rare and endangered wild plant resources and their natural ecological environment. Key protected targets include typical natural geographical areas, unique forest ecosystems, rare and endangered wild plants, rare and endangered wild animals, and their habitats.

The reserve is home to 10 species of nationally protected wild plants, including 1 species under first-class national protection and 9 under second-class national protection. It also hosts 33 species of nationally protected wild animals, comprising 5 under first-class national protection and 28 under second-class national protection.

The forest ecosystem within the reserve is highly intact, biologically diverse, and well-stratified, with much of it maintaining the state of pristine secondary forests. The total standing timber volume in the area reaches 1.8 million cubic meters.

Since its establishment, the reserve has been continuously strengthening infrastructure development. Currently, the Reserve Administration has constructed the Wenzilian, Anlushi, and XinHong protection stations, along with 360 square meters of office auxiliary buildings, 3 temporary inspection stations, one fire watchtower, and a professional firefighting team of 25 members. Two publicity and warning monuments have been erected, and partial placement of boundary markers and stakes within the reserve has been completed. Additionally, using scientific methods and tools, the "Jilin Ji’an Provincial Nature Reserve Management Regulations" have been formulated, along with comprehensive internal rules, responsibilities, patrol records, and inspection guidelines for protection management stations. These measures further standardize protective management practices and enhance both the quality and management level of the nature reserve. Ji’an is actively applying for national-level nature reserve status, and all preparatory work for the application has been completed.