Luokeng Chinese Crocodile Lizard Nature Reserve

Luokeng Chinese Crocodile Lizard Nature Reserve

The Guangdong Luokeng Chinese Crocodile Lizard National Nature Reserve was established in December 1998, covering a total area of 18,813.6 hectares. Its primary conservation targets are rare flora and fauna, including the Chinese crocodile lizard, and their habitats. The reserve also serves as an ecological green barrier for Shaoguan City and plays a crucial role in water resource protection.

The reserve is situated in Luokeng Town, Qujiang District, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. To the south, it connects with the Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve in Yingde, and to the west, it borders the Dayuxia Provincial Nature Reserve in Ruyuan. The highest peak, Chuandi Ding, stands at an elevation of 1,587 meters, while the lowest point, Luokeng Reservoir, is approximately 200 meters above sea level. The reserve lies on the southern edge of the central subtropical zone and features a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by abundant heat throughout the year, distinct seasonal temperature variations, and rich biodiversity. It is home to 1,464 species of wild vascular plants from 698 genera and 205 families, including 17 nationally protected species such as Sichuan cycad, Bretschneidera sinensis, Fujian cypress, Tsoongiodendron odorum, and Pinus kwangtungensis. Additionally, there are 1,529 species of vertebrates and insects, comprising 67 mammal species, 164 bird species, 55 reptile species, 32 amphibian species, 23 fish species, and 1,188 insect species. Among these, 39 are nationally protected animals, including the Chinese crocodile lizard, yellow-bellied tragopan, leopard, clouded leopard, python, stump-tailed macaque, sambar deer, serow, and common buzzard.

Since becoming fully operational in 2005, the reserve has consistently adhered to the guidance of the Scientific Outlook on Development. Centered around the theme of "building a model province for nature reserves," it has prioritized the protection of the area’s biological resources—especially the conservation of rare and endangered wildlife populations such as the Chinese crocodile lizard and their habitats. Through legislation and the establishment and implementation of various regulations and systems, the reserve has achieved leapfrog development. In 2005, it was recognized by the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Bureau as an advanced collective in the construction and management of nature reserves. In 2006, it achieved the goal of having “one law per reserve.” In 2007, the reserve transitioned from being a comprehensive forest ecosystem nature reserve to a wildlife-type nature reserve and applied for national-level status to better protect endangered species such as the Chinese crocodile lizard. In 2008, it was honored as an advanced unit in forestry publicity by the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Bureau. In June 2013, with the approval of the State Council, it was officially upgraded to the Guangdong Luokeng Chinese Crocodile Lizard National Nature Reserve.