Publications
Decoding the magmatic to hydrothermal evolution and Sn metallogenesis in the Fanjingshan granitic system: A tourmaline geochemical perspective
Research at Fanjingshan reveals a multi-stage process of tin enrichment and deposition, tracing the magmatic to hydrothermal evolution through tourmaline geochemistry. The study identifies three distinct tourmaline types (Tur-I, Tur-II, Tur-III), each reflecting different stages of Sn metallogenesis: initial compatible behavior in the melt, fluid-exsolution transport under reduced conditions, and oxidation-triggered incorporation into tourmaline. Boron isotope variations further confirm this transition, with δ11B values indicating fluid-rock interaction and magmatic-hydrothermal processes. This work sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying Sn metallogenesis in peraluminous granites of the Neoproterozoic Jiangnan Orogen.
Decoding the Middle Tonian Tectonic Evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Integrated Constraints from Volcano-Sedimentary and Magmatic Records of the Fanjingshan Region
A comprehensive analysis of the Fanjingshan region reveals that the Middle Tonian tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen, South China, was driven by subduction and collision rather than a mantle plume. This conclusion is supported by integrated sediment provenance data from 1736 detrital zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical studies of coeval magmatic suites, including basalts, mafic–ultramafic sills, and granitoids. The study identifies a four-stage tectonic model: an early passive margin phase (pre-870 Ma), followed by continental arc development (870–835 Ma), collisional amalgamation (835–820 Ma), and post-orogenic rifting (post-820 Ma). Geochemical signatures, such as calc-alkaline affinities and subduction-fluid indicators in basalts, further corroborate the plate margin setting. This work underscores the importance of combining sedimentary and magmatic records to reconstruct ancient orogen evolution.
Description of a new species of Isoperla Banks, 1906 (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve of China
Researchers have identified a new species of stonefly, Isoperla fanjingshana, within the diverse genus Isoperla, significantly expanding its known distribution in southwestern China. This discovery was made during surveys in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, and highlights the region's role as a biodiversity hotspot for aquatic insects. The new species is distinguished by unique morphological traits, including a specialized tergum 10 with paired membranous areas and a rhombic sclerite, among others. A provisional key to valid Chinese Isoperla species based on male specimens is also provided, offering a tool for future taxonomic studies. This finding underscores the importance of Fanjingshan's montane stream habitats in supporting high aquatic insect diversity.
Ecological Security Under the SPMOR Paradigm: Spatiotemporal Assessment of Fanjingshan Region (2002–2022)
A spatiotemporal analysis of Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, reveals fluctuating ecological security trends from 2002 to 2022. The study introduces an extended SPMOR framework (State–Pressure–Modelling–Optimization–Response) to assess ecological security dynamically, using multi-source datasets and the CRITIC method to construct a grid-based Ecological Security Index (ESI). Findings indicate that while ESI peaked in 2012, it declined slightly by 2022, with persistent spatial clustering patterns. High-security zones remained concentrated in the core reserve, while low-security areas aligned with human activity corridors, suggesting both ecological restoration progress and rising development pressures. This approach offers a structured method for evaluating and managing mountainous protected regions sustainably.
Two new species of the genus Nothopsyche Banks 1906 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from Mt. Fanjingshan, China
Scientists have identified two new species of caddisflies, Nothopsyche trigonophylla and Nothopsyche horrida, from Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guizhou Province, China. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the genus Nothopsyche (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) and contribute to our understanding of aquatic insect diversity in this ecologically significant region. The species were distinguished based on morphological traits such as the shape of external branches, inferior appendages, and aedeagal structures. The study employed detailed taxonomic analysis, including live habitus photography, to document these new findings.
Daily activity rhythm of sympatric ungulate species in Fanjingshan Reserve, China
Sympatric ungulate species in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, exhibit distinct daily activity rhythms influenced by seasonal changes, altitude, and breeding cycles. A study analyzing monitoring data from 2017 to 2022 revealed significant temporal partitioning among four species: tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and mainland serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii). Activity patterns varied notably across seasons, altitudes, and reproductive periods, suggesting a combination of environmental factors and interspecific competition. These findings highlight the importance of integrating temporal dynamics into conservation strategies for effective wildlife and forest ecosystem management.
Sparassis fanjingshanensis, a new species of Sparassidaceae from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China
Researchers have identified Sparassis fanjingshanensis, a new species of fungus belonging to the Sparassidaceae family, from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China. This discovery, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses using genetic markers (ITS, LSU, and rpb2), reveals that the species forms a distinct monophyletic clade closely related to Sparassis subalpina. Notably, it is characterized by large basidiomata with light-gray to light-khaki, compactly arranged flabellae featuring unique concentric ring ornamentation on its stem. The fungus was found exclusively in the Abies fanjingshanensis community of Fanjing Mountain's massy dwarf forest, representing a rare and localized taxon among four known Sparassis species in East Asia.
Establishment of the management effectiveness assessment system of world natural heritage and empirical analysis—a case study of Fanjingshan
A new management effectiveness assessment system for World Natural Heritage sites, validated through rigorous statistical analysis, demonstrates that Fanjingshan's conservation efforts are highly effective. However, the study also highlights ongoing challenges, particularly from tourism development and community participation. The system, comprising three dimensions (management foundation, measures, and performance) with 21 indexes, was tested for reliability and validity using exploratory factor analysis. Principal component analysis and comprehensive assessment methods were then applied to evaluate Fanjingshan's management effectiveness, revealing both strengths and areas needing improvement.
Six new species of the orb-weaver spider genus Araneus Clerck, 1757 (Araneae, Araneidae) and a redescription of A. colubrinus Song & Zhu, 1992 from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China
Researchers have identified six new species of orb-weaver spiders belonging to the genus Araneus from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. These include Araneus chenjingis, A. yubois, A. lihaibois, A. shiis, A. wanghuais, and A. yangchuandongis, which are categorized into two groups: the A. diadematus group and the A. sturmi group. Additionally, the study redescribes Araneus colubrinus and proposes a new synonym for it, Araneus octodentalis. The findings contribute to the biodiversity documentation of Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biological diversity.
Concurrent green initiatives in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China
Implementing the Forest Ecological Benefit Compensation (FEBC) program in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, has significantly increased land enrollment in the Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP), suggesting a positive Policy–Behavior spillover effect. Analysis of 2015 data revealed that every 100 mu of FEBC land generated an additional 0.47 mu of GTGP land, potentially boosting total GTGP farmland by 8.25% in FNNR and up to 6.93 million mu (0.4623 million ha) nationwide if extrapolated. However, this effect may reverse under future conditions where more land is enrolled in GTGP, indicating a potential trade-off between the two programs. The study highlights the complex interplay between policy incentives and environmental behavior in protected areas.
Gigaspora polymorphira, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China
Scientists have identified Gigaspora polymorphira, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, from the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China. This discovery was made through morphological and phylogenetic analyses of spores collected from the rhizosphere soil of native plants, including Phyllostachys heterocycla (bamboo) and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir). The fungus is distinguished by its large, irregularly shaped spores with a distinctive two-layered wall structure, which stains dark red to brown in Melzer’s reagent. Phylogenetic studies revealed that G. polymorphira forms a unique clade within the genus Gigaspora, closely related but genetically distinct from G. margarita. The research provides an updated taxonomic key for identifying Gigaspora species globally, contributing to the understanding of fungal diversity in UNESCO-listed ecosystems.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Enzyme Activity along an Altitude Gradient in the Fanjingshan Area, Northeastern Guizhou Province, China
Soil bacterial diversity and enzyme activity in Fanjingshan, China, exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity along an altitude gradient. Research reveals that soil pH, which decreases with increasing altitude, is strongly correlated with both enzyme activity and bacterial community structure, particularly at altitudes below 900 meters. Enzyme activities such as sucrase, catalase, urease, and acid phosphatase peak at different altitude ranges, indicating complex interactions between altitude, soil chemistry, and microbial processes. The study provides insights into the spatial succession of soil in subtropical mountain ecosystems, offering a deeper understanding of how altitude influences microbial populations and soil enzyme dynamics.
The Importance of Genetic Isolation in Preserving the Gene Pool of Apis cerana in Fanjingshan Nature Reserve
A genetic analysis of the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) in and around Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, reveals that while no significant genetic differentiation exists between populations inside and outside the reserve, new private haplotypes have been identified. This suggests that, despite limited positive impact on genetic conservation thus far, the reserve plays a role in preserving unique genetic variants of this endangered species. Researchers used two mitochondrial markers (tRNAleu~COII and COI) to assess genetic structure across 197 colonies, employing network analysis, phylogenetic trees, and F-statistics to evaluate gene flow and population divergence.
Acaulospora fanjing (Glomeromycota), a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from Fanjingshan in China
Scientists have identified Acaulospora fanjing, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from Fanjingshan, China. This discovery, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, highlights its unique reddish-orange spores with distinct wall structures not found in other Acaulospora species. The fungus was associated exclusively with the roots of Acer flabellatum in a dwarf forest ecosystem, marking it as the sole known occurrence site. Phylogenetic studies using an extended DNA barcode confirmed its novel status within the genus. This finding expands the diversity of AMF and underscores the ecological significance of Fanjingshan's unique fungal communities.
Habitat selection and daily activity patterns of Herpestes urva in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve
A study on the habitat selection and daily activity patterns of Herpestes urva (small Indian mongoose) in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve reveals significant adaptive behaviors influenced by environmental factors. The research, conducted from 2017 to 2019 using 41 infrared cameras, found that this species predominantly inhabits evergreen deciduous broad-leaved forests and avoids coniferous-broadleaf mixed forests, with occupancy rates negatively correlated with altitude and distance from water sources. Notably, activity peaks during the rainy season (April-September), accounting for 83.5% of annual activity, and follows a diurnal pattern with high activity between 11:00-13:00. These findings highlight the species' adaptation to Fanjingshan's unique mountain climate and vegetation, differing from other distribution areas due to varying predator risks and human interference.
Habitat estimates reveal that there are fewer than 400 Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys, Rhinopithecus brelichi, remaining in the wild
Fewer than 400 Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi), an Endangered primate endemic to China, remain in the wild, confined to a highly fragmented habitat within Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve. Using GIS technology, researchers estimated that only 27.8 km² of suitable habitat is accessible to the species, while another 28.5 km² remains inaccessible due to recent infrastructure development. Population estimates suggest between 125 and 336 individuals remain, highlighting urgent conservation needs. The study recommends expanding protected status and implementing forest regeneration programs to safeguard this critically endangered population.
Changes in carbon storages of Fagus forest ecosystems along an elevational gradient on Mt. Fanjingshan in Southwest China
Beech (Fagus) forests on Mt. Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, exhibit significant variation in carbon storage across an elevational gradient (1095–1930 m). Total ecosystem carbon pools range from 190.5 to 504.3 Mg C ha⁻¹, with biomass and soil contributing the most (33.7–73.9% and 23.9–65.5%, respectively), while litter and woody debris contribute minimally (<4%). Notably, ecosystem carbon storage increases significantly with elevation, driven primarily by rising biomass and woody debris, whereas litter and soil carbon show no elevational trend. Climate and stand age emerge as key drivers of these patterns in Guizhou Province's beech forests, contrasting with global trends where stand age dominates. This study underscores the importance of local climate and stand age in shaping carbon accumulation, providing critical data for regional carbon budgets and conservation strategies.
Mapping Vegetation and Land Use Types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Using Google Earth Engine
Researchers developed a robust method to map vegetation and land use types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve (FNNR), a biodiversity hotspot in China, using Google Earth Engine. The study demonstrated that multi-seasonal Landsat image composites combined with elevation data significantly improved mapping accuracy by addressing challenges posed by steep terrain and persistent cloud cover. By leveraging spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) and shade/illumination normalization techniques, the team achieved consistent classification accuracies above 70%, even with limited training data. Advanced machine learning routines, optimized through tuning techniques, ensured reliable monitoring of forest cover and land use in FNNR and similar mountainous, cloud-prone regions.
Quantifying canopy fractional cover and change in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China using multi-temporal Landsat imagery
A study on Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, reveals that anthropogenic activities are the primary drivers of changes in forest canopy fractional cover (CFC) over a 15-year period. Researchers used multi-temporal Landsat imagery and a modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) to quantify CFC, finding that topographical variability affects illumination and thus CFC estimates. Implementing an illumination stratification approach, which selects different closed canopy endmembers based on topography, helps minimize these effects. The analysis, combined with limited high-resolution imagery verification, suggests that most observed CFC changes are likely due to human influences.
Neoproterozoic Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusions from the Fanjingshan Region, South China: Implications for Subduction-Related Magmatism in the Jiangnan Fold Belt
Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions from the Fanjingshan region, South China, provide evidence of subduction-related magmatism preceding the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks. These rocks, primarily olivine pyroxenites and gabbros, show minimal crustal contamination and isotopic signatures indicative of a mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and melts. Their compositional similarities to Alaskan-type intrusions further support their formation in a subduction-related environment. The study utilized geochemical and isotopic analyses (e.g., εNd(t), 207Pb/204Pb, Os-Re-Os) to characterize the magmatic sources and processes, offering insights into the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Fold Belt during the Neoproterozoic.
Altitudinal Movements of Guizhou Snub-Nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China: Implications for Conservation Management of a Flagship Species
Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve exhibit a distinct daily altitudinal movement pattern, ascending to higher elevations in the morning and descending in the afternoon. This behavior, observed between 1,350 and 1,870 meters with an average of 1,660 meters, suggests a trade-off between foraging efficiency and predation avoidance within the mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf vegetation zone. No seasonal migration to lower elevations was detected, indicating that this habitat may be crucial for the species' survival. The study used observational data to analyze movement patterns and their implications for conservation management.
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