Wumahe Sable Nature Reserve

Wumahe Sable Nature Reserve

The Wumahe Sable Reserve is situated in the northern part of Heilongjiang Province, in the middle section of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, within the territory of the Wumahe Forestry Bureau. It spans a total area of 23,748 hectares, comprising a core zone of 8,370 hectares, a buffer zone of 8,043 hectares, and an experimental zone of 7,335 hectares. The reserve was developed relatively late, is remote from urban centers, has a low population density, and is less affected by human interference. It remains in a natural state of development, with high ecological integrity and no chemical pollution. In particular, the natural secondary forests in this area have not been subjected to human disturbance or management. The secondary forests, dominated by poplar and birch, are at various stages of forest succession and show a clear trend of reverting to primary forest vegetation. In recent years, thanks to forest conservation efforts, dense natural forests have re-emerged here.

This reserve is a wildlife-type nature reserve primarily dedicated to the protection of sables. Currently, there are over 20 sables living within the reserve. The area boasts abundant wildlife resources, including 286 species such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Other representative animals include lynx, Northeastern rabbits, and hazel grouse. It serves as an important wildlife gene pool and breeding base, functioning as a natural wildlife park and an ideal site for scientific research.

The Wumahe Sable Reserve is also the most ideal base for studying the forests and vegetation of the Lesser Khingan Mountains. It represents a typical northern mid-temperate coniferous ecosystem in China and is one of the more intact and expansive forest ecosystems remaining in the region. The terrain within the reserve is rugged, with numerous peaks, and features distinct vertical distribution of forest vegetation. It is a major habitat of the Korean pine in China. The area contains 497 plant species across 92 families, nine of which are under national protection. These include Korean pine, Manchurian walnut, Amur cork tree, Mongolian oak, Korean linden, eleutherococcus, daylily, wild soybean, and pondweed.

Sables are an important component of natural ecosystems and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Protecting rare animals such as the sable is not only crucial to human survival and development but also serves as an important indicator of a nation or people’s level of civilization and progress. Let us take active steps to protect sables and other wildlife, as well as our living environment.

Special Note: Sables hold not only scientific research value but also significant importance for the in-depth study of the geology, landforms, forest ecosystems, and wildlife resources of the Lesser Khingan Mountains. Sables have low reproductive rates, and due to long-term excessive hunting, their numbers have drastically declined. Currently, there are only slightly more than 1,000 wild sables nationwide, putting them on the brink of extinction. Also known as black sable or forest sable, locals call it “big leaf.” Its fur is slightly brownish, which is the origin of its name. “Warmer in the wind, melts in the snow, and repels water”—these are the greatest advantages of sable fur. For thousands of years, sable fur has been regarded as premium material for making fur coats and is considered a luxury item. Its dark brown fur hides evenly distributed white guard hairs, which experts describe as “ink hiding needles.”

Address: Within the territory of the Wumahe Forestry Bureau, northern Heilongjiang Province