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Rare Cypress Springs Back: China's Green Miracle
2 Sep
Summary
- Rare cliff cypress revived from extinction through cultivation.
- Seedlings reintroduced in 2015 are now producing viable seeds.
- Efforts aim to make the species common in national greening projects.
An ancient cypress species, once facing extinction, is now driving substantial ecological restoration in southwestern China. Conservation teams at the Chongqing Xuebaoshan National Nature Reserve have successfully revived the cliff cypress (Thuja sutchuenensis).
Initiatives began with artificial propagation and wild reintroduction in 2015. The cultivated seedlings have now matured and are naturally producing seeds. This marks a significant step from precarious survival to widespread reforestation efforts across various Chinese provinces.
Ex-situ conservation and adaptive cultivation are key strategies. These involve preserving specimens outside natural habitats and testing their survival in new environments. Trials are underway in diverse locations, including Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Shaanxi provinces.
The ultimate aim is to transform the cliff cypress from a rare species into a common one. This will allow its broad application in ecological conservation, fostering harmony between humans and nature.
