Mulun Nature Reserve

Mulun Nature Reserve

Mulun Nature Reserve is a national-level nature reserve.

Mulun Nature Reserve was established in 1991, upgraded to an autonomous regional (provincial) level reserve in June 1996, and approved by the State Council as a national nature reserve in August 1998. It covers a total area of 108.297 square kilometers. Geographic coordinates: 107°53′29″E to 108°05′42″E, 25°06′09″N to 25°12′25″N. The reserve includes parts of karst mountainous areas from seven administrative villages in Chuanshan Town—Dongshan, Xiaron, Leyi, Mulun, Baidan, Shecun, and Hedun—as well as the monotypic Magnolia conservation area on the hill behind Bancun Village in Mulun.

The Mulun forest region belongs to the mid-subtropical limestone evergreen and deciduous mixed forest ecosystem, which is extremely well-preserved, with a coverage rate as high as 97.13%. It is an extremely rare ecosystem at the same latitude worldwide and, together with the Maolan Reserve in Guizhou, forms the largest contiguous and best-preserved karst forest ecosystem at this latitude. The forest boasts extremely rich biodiversity. Preliminary surveys have recorded 1,446 species of vascular plants, including five national first-class protected species: monotypic Magnolia, handleaf holly, Chinese yew, and Monospecifc Giant Liverwort, along with 12 second-class protected plant species. There are an estimated 123 species of orchids (Orchidaceae), among which Malipo lady’s slipper, white lady’s slipper, and hardleaf lady’s slipper are listed as endangered by IUCN. There are 284 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including three under national first-class protection and 31 under second-class protection. A total of 408 insect species have been identified. The cave biodiversity is also remarkably rich, with 140 animal species discovered—including over 50 true cave-dwelling species, all endemic to Mulun or adjacent karst regions—including 5 new genera and over 40 new species. International cave biologists consider Mulun and its neighboring karst areas to be among the richest in cave biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

The reserve boasts abundant tourism resources and high landscape value, featuring outstanding karst forest ecosystems and karst landform scenery, excellent drifting sections along the Gubin River, a strong ethnic culture of the Maonan people, and the historic Qian-Gui Ancient Road.

Over the years, especially after the implementation of the GEF project in the reserve, Mulun Nature Reserve has continuously improved its infrastructure, forming a “Bureau–Station–Site” management system. A stable team for forest patrol and protection has been established, and community co-management has yielded significant results. It has become one of the more comprehensively equipped and advanced-managed reserves within Guangxi’s forestry system.

Through hard work, Mulun National Nature Reserve has gone through a development journey from nonexistence to establishment, from small to large, and from weak to strong. Its reputation has gradually increased, and it has become part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme network. It serves as a teaching and research base for multiple higher education institutions and scientific research organizations. In recent years, it has undertaken 14 scientific research projects at various levels and published 53 scientific papers. In 2011, it was honored as an “Advanced Collective in Wildlife and Natural Reserve Management for the Autonomous Region,” in 2012 it was named a “Civilized Unit of the Autonomous Region,” and in 2013 it was included in the World Natural Heritage list. Seizing this opportunity, the reserve continues to strengthen protection, enhance capacity building, and develop into a first-class model nature reserve.