China has achieved a major milestone in wildlife conservation, with over 80% of its key state-protected terrestrial wild animal and plant species now under effective protection, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The announcement, released on March 3, 2026—coinciding with the 13th World Wildlife Day—highlights significant progress in habitat restoration and species recovery programs.
Recent monitoring data reveal population growth for iconic species such as the giant panda, snow leopard, Amur tiger, and crested ibis. Breakthroughs in captive breeding include second-generation offspring of the Chinese Pangolin, while endangered trees like the baishanzu fir and magnolia sinica show stable wild populations exceeding 4,000 and 15,000 individuals, respectively.
China currently protects 988 wild animal species and 1,200 wild plant species under state-level safeguards. The first five national parks alone cover nearly 30% of the country’s protected terrestrial wildlife. Additionally, nearly 600 wildlife rescue centers support rehabilitation and reintroduction initiatives for critically endangered species.
