Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment ›› 2018, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1): 27-36.doi: 10.11934/j.issn.1673-4831.2018.01.004

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress in Construction of China Butterfly Diversity Observation Network (China BON-Butterflies)

MA Fang-zhou1, XU Hai-gen1, CHEN Meng-meng1, TONG Wen-jun1, WANG Chen-bin1, CAI Lei2   

  1. 1. Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biosafety, Nanjing 210042, China;
    2. Department of Nature and Ecology Conservation, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100035, China
  • Received:2017-07-24 Online:2018-01-25 Published:2018-01-26

Abstract:

As biodiversity is one of the material bases of human survival and development, biodiversity monitoring is the prerequisite and foundation of researches on conservation of biodiversity. In order to implement the "China Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2011-2030)" of the State Council of PRC, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of PRC initiated a butterfly diversity observation program and the establishment of a national-level butterfly diversity observation network (China BON-Butterflies) in 2016. So far, the China BON-Butterflies has 117 standardized sample regions and 629 standardized line transects totaling 1 200 km, set up in 31 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities of China. More than 200 000 entries of observation data were recorded in that year. Through the observation, a preliminary knowledge about characteristics of the spatial distribution of butterfly diversity in China was achieved. Sample regions relatively high in species richness and abundance are distributed mostly south to the belt of the Qinling Mountain-Huaihe River, like Hainan Island, the southern piedmont of the Qinling Mountains, and Hengduan Mountains. Besides, a national butterfly observation database was established and an annual observation report compiled. Long-term effective operation of the China BON-butterflies will sure update the knowledge about spatial distribution and dynamic variation of the butterfly diversity in the country and help identify menacing factors. In the end, some suggestions are put forth for decision-making oriented towards environment management and butterfly diversity conservation.

Key words: biodiversity monitoring, observation network, butterfly, menacing factors, conservation effects assessment, China

CLC Number: