Luota Nature Reserve in Longshan County, Hunan Province
1 Discovery of ancient Metasequoia in Luota
In April 1974, during a survey in Luota Township, Longshan County, Jiang Chuanmin, a technician from the Forestry Research Institute of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, discovered three ancient Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) trees there. This discovery expanded the eastern boundary for the distribution areas of Metasequoia remnants to 109°23'E. It surpasses the previous record of a 35-meter-tall and 480-year-old Metasequoia in Moudaoxi, Lichuan, Hubei Province, making it the tallest Metasequoia tree in China.
The three ancient Metasequoia trees are located in two different areas. One tree grows near the ridge and water well in Baomu Village, with an altitude of 840 meters. It stands 36 meters tall, has a diameter at breast height of 1.76 meters, a crown width of 54 square meters, and an estimated age of over 800 years. The other two trees grow on the cultivated fields in Laozhai Village, with an altitude of 870 meters. They are approximately 500 years old, with a distance of 6 meters between them. The heights of the two trees are 46 meters and 44 meters, with diameters at breast height of 1.28 meters and 1.39 meters, respectively. The crown width is approximately 36 square meters. After repeated surveys, no natural reproduction of Metasequoia has been found in other areas of Longshan County.
Since the discovery of Metasequoia in Luota, extensive efforts have been made in Longshan county to protect and propagate this rare tree species. The local people have propagated Metasequoia through both seedlings and cuttings, covering an area of one million square meters. Artificial afforestation has been carried out on 3,500 hectares of land, and a seed stand covering 20 hectares has been established. Currently, artificial forests of Metasequoia are distributed throughout the county, ranging from an elevation of 200 meters to 1,500 meters.
2. Protection of Metasequoia in Luota
On April 3, 1982, the People's Government of Hunan Province approved the establishment of the Luota Nature Reserve in Longshan County, mainly to protect the three ancient Metasequoia trees and their habitats. As one of the first nature reserves established in China, it currently covers a forest area of 4,500 hectares, including 200 hectares of natural forests. After the establishment of the nature reserve, measures have been taken to strengthen the protection of Metasequoia. First, protective fences and signs have been installed around the three ancient trees. Second, the decayed parts of the trees have been treated to prevent further deterioration. Third, enhanced monitoring of the ancient trees and control of diseases and pests have been implemented. Fourth, 32 dedicated forest rangers have been assigned, with three personnel funded by the national budget and two graduates from universities and colleges who have not been included in the financial budget.
3. Boundaries of Regional Area
To ensure the preservation of ancient Metasequoia resources, measures have been taken to protect them through land leasing and afforestation in collaboration with local administrative villages. The current area of the reserve is 4,500 hectares, with an additional net increase of 2,500 hectares connected to neighboring towns and townships such as Maoping, Wafang, Zhaoshi, Jiaba, and Luota.
4. Climate Characteristics
The Luota Nature Reserve is located in the subtropical humid monsoon climate zone. The area has high mountains, featuring strong wind, cool summer, cold winter, and frequent freezing rain and foggy weather. The temperature ranges from -9.3°C to 36.2°C, with an annual average temperature of 13.4°C. The annual rainfall is 1,512.4mm, and the frost-free period lasts for approximately 250 days.
5. Overview of Species
1) Floral resources
The Luota Nature Reserve hosts a wide variety of plant resources. According to preliminary surveys, the reserve is home to 1, 211 species from 514 genera and 107 families of vascular plants. Among them, there are 638 species of woody plants belonging to 237 genera and 74 families. The dominant plant families include Fagaceae, Catalpa, Theaceae, Aquifoliaceae, Ericaceae, Pinaceae, and Taxodiaceae. The rare plant species under the state protection include Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Bretschneidera sinensis, Emmenopterys henryi, Tetracentron sinense, and Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
2) Faunal resources
The Luota Nature Reserve boasts a complex terrain, a moist climate, and excellent vegetation coverage, providing optimal conditions for the reproduction and survival of wildlife. According to surveys, the reserve is home to 89 species of vertebrates, including 31 mammal species, 37 bird species, and 21 reptile species. There are 12 animal species in the area under special state protection, including Forest Musk Deer, Reeves's pheasant, and Temminck's tragopan. The region also exhibits rich insect resources, among which 1,674 species from 148 families and 22 orders have been collected.
6. Development and Tourism Resources of the Reserve
The Luota Nature Reserve offers abundant tourism resources and is closely connected to the renowned Luota Stone Forest Scenic Area. Its natural landscapes, characterized by their uniqueness, ruggedness, and mystique, create an enchanting and unforgettable experience for visitors. The reserve features rich natural landscapes, including stunning mountains, peculiar rock formations, waterfalls, forests, cloud formations, sunrise and sunset views, and ancient trees. Since its establishment, the reserve has received significant attention and support from leaders at all levels in various aspects, including project approval, fund allocation, and on-site guidance. It has provided successful experiences in protection, management, development, and utilization of natural resources, and media professionals have made unremitting efforts to promote the Luota Nature Reserve. The reserve has now become a multifunctional natural reserve that integrates scientific research; field surveys; protection, development and use of fitness and leisure resources; tourism and sightseeing.
