Recently, infrared cameras at the Chenhedong Nature Reserve in Guangzhou's Conghua District quietly captured the early morning silhouette of a white-necklaced partridge, a species under second-class state protection in China. Meanwhile, in the streams of the Yadong River, a rare aquatic plant of the Cladopus genus has resurfaced after a 60-year disappearance, and Hong Kong cascade frogs have been spotted darting among the rocks. With a forest coverage rate of 69.1%, Conghua is rapidly becoming a haven for an increasing variety of rare flora and fauna.

Local authorities have strictly enforced ecological conservation red line, creating a comprehensive protected area system by connecting three nature reserves, 20 forest parks, one scenic area, and two wetland parks. This network ensures meticulous management and protection of 98% of the district's ecological spaces, effectively mitigating the severe issue of habitat fragmentation. Furthermore, the Guangzhou (Conghua) Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, inaugurated in 2025, coupled with monitoring equipment like infrared cameras, has transformed ecological protection from an unmonitored state to precise management. Mechanisms such as the deployment of ecological forest rangers and compensation for public-welfare forests have driven widespread public participation, fostering a strong synergy for joint protection among the government, enterprises, research institutions, and the public.

The return of rare species also signifies a broader revival of ecosystem health. Liang Mingyi, a researcher at the South China Institute of Environmental Sciences under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, explained that rare birds like the silver pheasant and red-billed leiothrix help control insect populations, thereby reducing pest pressure on plants. The reappearance of Cladopus not only confirms the improvement of water quality but also provides crucial habitat and food sources for small aquatic organisms and amphibians, enriching the local food chain. This diverse system of natural checks and balances has significantly enhanced the ecosystem's stability and resilience to external disturbances.

白额山鹧鸪等“生态精灵”为何纷纷选择广州从化？专家解读生态密码

近日，在广州从化陈禾洞自然保护区，红外相机悄然记录下国家二级保护动物白额山鹧鸪清晨休憩的身影。与此同时，鸭洞河的溪流中，已消失60余年的飞瀑草重现水下，香港湍蛙活跃于石缝之间。森林覆盖率高达69.1%的从化，正成为越来越多珍稀动植物的安居乐园。

据介绍，当地严守生态保护红线，通过串联3个自然保护区、20个森林公园、1个风景名胜区及2个湿地公园等，构筑起完整的保护地体系，使98%的区域绿地得到精细化管护，有效破解了栖息地破碎化难题。此外，2025年揭牌的广州市（从化）生物多样性保护实验室，配合红外相机等监测设备，实现了生态保护从“看不见”到“精准管”的跨越。生态护林员值守、生态公益林补偿等机制，则带动了公众参与，形成了政企研民同心守护的良好氛围。

珍稀物种的回归也代表了生态系统健康的复苏。生态环境部华南环境科学研究所研究员梁明易解释，白鹇、红嘴相思鸟等珍稀鸟类有助于控制昆虫种群，为植物“减负”；飞瀑草的重现不仅印证水质改善，也为小型水生生物和两栖动物提供了栖息地与食物，完善了食物链。这种多元制衡，显著提升了生态系统的稳定性和抗干扰能力。

文｜记者 马灿 通讯员 从宣
图｜通讯员提供
译｜陈冠臻
英文审校｜赵凡