Ecology & Environment
China ranks as the third largest territory after Russia and Canada, with over 6 distinct ecosystems within its vast borders. From the Himalayan mountain range of the southwest, up through the Gobi Desert in the north, down along China’s “Main Street” (Yangtzi River), and all through the lowlands of China’s southeastern territory, China has one of the most varied environments in the world. Accordingly, numerous estimates suggest that China possesses the most varieties of fauna and flora, including some 32,000 documented types of higher plants.
A recent study conducted over the last 5 years with the participation of over 1,700 scientists, estimates that 25%-36% of the Earth’s wild mammal species are at risk of extinction. Sadly, a large number of those species are located in China. Due to China’s huge population, exponential growth rate, and lax environmental protection, China’s natural areas are rapidly being encroached upon. Consequently, this loss of habitat is the greatest threat to all wild mammal species throughout China. VariArts has specifically designed environmental tours to connect concerned travelers with China’s priceless, natural bounty, before it’s too late.
