Chinese mergansers fly over a river in Hechi. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Thanks to the efforts of local authorities to protect biodiversity in recent years, the population of endangered wild animals and plants in Hechi has been steadily increasing.

At present, there are 563 species of terrestrial vertebrates in the city, including 70 species of beasts, 363 species of birds, 85 species of reptiles, and 45 species of amphibians. Among the species represented in the city, 10 are under first-class State protection, 66 are under second-class State protection, and 106 are considered to be threatened.

So far, 1,850 species of plants have been identified in the city, including 60 rare and unusual trees under national key protection.

Meanwhile, the city has accelerated the development of protected areas of land. Twenty-four natural protected areas at or above the autonomous-region level have been built, including nature reserves, scenic spots, forest parks, wetland parks and geoparks.

Through the natural forest protection project, the initiative to return farmland to forest and grassland, as well as the wetland protection and restoration projects, Hechi has helped to restore its natural ecosystem and protect biodiversity.