List of endangered and protected species of China facts for kids

China is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! However, because so many people live there, human activities can sometimes put these amazing creatures and plants in danger. When a species is at risk of disappearing forever, it's called an endangered species. To protect these special living things, China's government and international groups like CITES and IUCN work together to identify and protect them. This means they get special legal protection to help them survive and thrive.

Endangered & protected species of China
as designated by the government of China, IUCN and CITES

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a Class I protected species of the national government of China, a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and a species threatened by extinction on Appendix I of the CITES

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a Class II species in China, an endangered species on the IUCN Red List and listed in Appendix I of the CITES.

Some animals are rare in China but common elsewhere. Others are protected because people might try to use them for money. China updates its list of protected species, but sometimes international groups list a species as endangered before China does. Many of these special species, like the groove-toothed flying squirrel and the Ili pika, are endemic to China. This means they are found nowhere else in the world!

How Species Get Protected in China

Animals and plants are listed as endangered or threatened by different groups:

• The Chinese government's own list, called the List of Wildlife under Special State Protection. This list is part of China's law to protect wildlife.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Their Appendix I lists species that are most threatened with extinction.
• The IUCN Red List, created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This list shows how at-risk different species are globally.

Amazing Endangered Animals of China

China is home to many unique animals that need our help. Here are some of them:

Mammals: Furry Friends in Need

China has many special mammals, including the famous giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). This bear is a Class I protected species in China and is considered vulnerable by the IUCN. Another adorable animal is the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), which is a Class II species in China and endangered according to the IUCN.

Other important mammals include:

• Monkeys and Gibbons: Many types of monkeys and gibbons are endangered. The white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) is critically endangered and found only in China. The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is also endangered.
• Big Cats: China is home to majestic big cats like the tiger (Panthera tigris), which is critically endangered, and the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), which is vulnerable. The Chinese mountain cat (Felis bieti) is also a vulnerable species found only in China.
• Pangolins: These unique, scaly mammals like the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) are critically endangered due to illegal trade.
• Deer and Antelopes: The Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), once extinct in the wild, has been reintroduced. The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is endangered, and the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) is critically endangered.
• Aquatic Mammals: The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaorientalis) is critically endangered and lives in China's rivers. Sadly, the baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), a river dolphin, is now considered critically endangered and possibly extinct.

Birds: Feathered Wonders at Risk

China's skies and wetlands are home to many beautiful birds that face threats.

• Cranes: Several crane species are endangered, including the elegant red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) and the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus), which is critically endangered. The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is also vulnerable.
• Pheasants: Many colorful pheasants are unique to China and are protected. The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) and the brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) are vulnerable. The Sichuan partridge (Arborophila rufipectus) is endangered.
• Storks and Ibises: The Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana) is endangered, and the crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) is also endangered. The black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) is an endangered wading bird.
• Ducks: The Baer's pochard (Aythya baeri) is a critically endangered duck, and the scaly-sided merganser (Mergus squamatus) is endangered.

Reptiles: Scaly Survivors

Reptiles, from mighty alligators to ancient turtles, also need protection in China.

• Alligators: The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is critically endangered and found only in China.
• Turtles: Many turtle species are critically endangered, including the Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) and the golden coin turtle (Cuora trifasciata). Sea turtles like the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are also endangered or critically endangered.
• Snakes and Lizards: The Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered lizard. The Mang Mountain pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) is an endangered snake found only in China.

Amphibians: Life in Two Worlds

Amphibians, which live both in water and on land, are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

• Giant Salamanders: The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is critically endangered. It's the largest amphibian in the world!
• Newts and Toads: Many species of newts and toads found only in China are endangered or critically endangered, such as the Chinhai spiny newt (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) and the Emei moustache toad (Leptobrachium boringii). Sadly, the Yunnan lake newt (Cynops wolterstorffi) is now extinct.

Fish: Aquatic Treasures

China's rivers and seas are home to unique fish species that are facing serious threats.

• Sturgeons and Paddlefish: The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is critically endangered. The Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius) is now extinct.
• Freshwater Fish: The Chinese high fin banded shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) and the Sichuan taimen (Hucho bleekeri) are endangered fish found in China's freshwater systems.
• Marine Fish: The Chinese bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis), a large fish found in coastal waters, is critically endangered.

Lancelet: Tiny but Important

• Chinese Amphioxus: The Chinese amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri), a small, fish-like creature, is also a protected species. It's important for understanding how vertebrates evolved.

Endangered and Protected Plant Species

China's plant life is just as important as its animals. Many native and endemic plants are also endangered.

• Firs: Several types of fir trees, like Abies beshanzuensis (Baishanzu fir) and Abies fabri (Faber's fir), are protected.
• Cypresses: Unique cypress trees such as Cupressus chengiana and Cupressus gigantea are also on the protected list.
• Other Plants: The beautiful Magnolia delavayi (Chinese evergreen magnolia) and the Pseudolarix amabilis (golden larch) are also protected species.

See also

• Endemic flora of China
• Wildlife in China
• Animal welfare and rights in China
• Protected areas of China