The Shapotou National Nature Reserve in Zhongwei, Ningxia, has recently increased its biodiversity with the addition of 102 new species, according to the latest specialized survey conducted by the reserve.

The survey revealed the inclusion of 30 new plant species across 16 genera and three families, as well as 72 new animal species. Among these, 29 are newly recorded national key protected wild animals, including five national first-class protected wild animals, such as the cinereous vulture, golden eagle, and desert cat, and 24 national second-class protected wild animals, including the mute swan and mandarin duck.

From 2021 to 2024, the reserve conducted a comprehensive survey of its flora and fauna. The survey recorded a total of 303 species of vertebrates across five classes, 34 orders, 84 families, and 193 genera, including 10 species of national first-class protected wild animals and 45 species of national second-class protected wild animals.

The reserve also documented 515 species of seed plants across 81 families and 263 genera, including five species of national second-class key protected wild plants: Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, Helianthemum songaricum, Ephedra przewalskii, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Glycine soja.

"In recent years, the reserve has implemented various measures to enhance the protection of resources, strengthen law enforcement, and carry out ecological restoration initiatives such as vegetation recovery and soil and water conservation," said an employee of the nature reserve.

As one of the first desert ecosystem nature reserves in Northwest China, the nature reserve boasts a unique composite ecosystem that integrates artificial forest ecosystems with natural desert landscapes.