Animals (動物; Dòngwù) Native to China!

One of the things that China is most known for is the unique and exotic animals that you’ll find there. Many animals originated from China and continue to be found there today. These animals not only have become symbols of China, but they have also made China more individualized in its wildlife. Many have also become endangered or nearly extinct. Here are a few animals that are native to China:

1.) Giant Panda: 大熊猫 (Dà xióngmāo)

The Giant Panda has lived in China for thousands of years. It is known as China’s most beloved animal. It is an endangered species and many conservation efforts have been set up across China to protect these pandas. Human intervention has caused pandas to live without a permanent home. They primarily live in the mountains and forests of China.

2.) Chinese Alligator: 中国鳄鱼 (Zhōngguó èyú)

This specific type of alligator, similar to the American alligator, is also endangered. It is known to many Chinese as the “muddy dragon.” Many people regard this alligator as a pest for eating fish. It resides in the southern part of the Yangtze River.

3.) Crested Ibis: 朱䴉 (Zhū huán)

This majestic bird can easily be distinguished by its red cheeks. It lives in wetlands and marshlands for easy obtainment of food. It is said that the crested ibis was able to exist peacefully with farmers for many years on rice farms. However, due to increased farming of dry land crops, the crested ibis is said to be endangered.

 

4.) Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey: 金丝猴 (Jīnsīhóu)

This species of monkey is very rare and unique to China. These monkeys are mainly found in the mountains of China. They have small noses and golden colored furs. Endangered by deforestation, these monkeys are now under protection.

 

Hopefully, you learned some interesting facts about some of the unique animals of China. As all of these animals are endangered, their conservation and protection are crucial and necessary in order to maintain China’s diverse wildlife. Next time you’re in China, keep an eye out for some of these animals. Until next time! 再见!

 

The following websites were referenced for some information in this article:

http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/26/the-rare-and-vulnerable-animals-of-wild-china/

http://www.china-family-adventure.com/wildlife-in-china.html

http://www.chinawhisper.com/top-10-rare-animals-in-china/