Green China

China is one of the most diverse countries on Earth, whose habitats range from the vast deserts of the northwest and the Tibetan Plateau, through forested mountain slopes, to a myriad of rivers and lakes and the steamy tropical forests of the far south. China is home to many rare and threatened species, and conservation is now a firm priority for the Chinese government. Interest in China's green heritage has never been greater, and this is growing fast as eco-tourism takes off and as the Chinese Government starts to grapple with problems of conservation and environment protection.Although much of China's fertile lowlands are intensively cultivated, there remain plenty of wild areas rich in unusual animals and plants, from giant pandas to colourful pheasants and peacocks, and the Chinese alligator (probable model for the famous Chinese dragon). China is also home to beautiful and intriguing plants - the rare ginkgo tree, thousands of herbs as well as species with healing properties. Richly illustrated throughout with specially commissioned world-class photographs, "Green China" is both a celebration of China's natural world and a general introduction to the flora, fauna and landscapes of one of the world's most diverse countries.

Table of Contents:
FOREWORDProf. Wang Sung (Beijing)INTRODUCTIONMaps of China to show provinces, regions, habitats, and location in East Asia.DESERTSThe deserts of Xinjiang and Mongolia.The plants and animals that have adapted to desert life.MOUNTAINSThe high-altitude regions of Tibet and neighbouring QinghaiEmei Shan, Huang Shan, Mount Gaoligong. Alpine floraFORESTSIncludes the northern coniferous/birch forests, temperate deciduous, subtropical mixed forests, and the rich tropical forests of the south.WETLANDSMajor rivers - e.g. Yellow River, Yangtze River, Pearl RiverLakes and marshes - e.g. Poyang Hu, Qinghai Lake, Beidaihe, ZhalongMangrovesWildfowl and aquatic lifePEOPLE & WILDLIFEPeople and plantsChina's Ethnic minorities - e.g. The Dai of XishuangbannaConservation and traditional medicine (incl. animals - bear, tiger, snake; ginkgo, ginseng, caterpillar-fungus)Green Industries and EcotourismRice; silk; aquaculture; bamboo; tea; ecotourismBibliographyIndex

About the Author :
Martin Walters is a writer, editor and naturalist. He makes regular visits to China and has become fascinated by the natural history of the country. Working with local biologists there he has access to the latest information on China's biodiversity.His publications include several natural history and field guides. He is a contributor to the recent Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guide to China, and edited the new edition of Green Inheritance. He has revised a guide to Yunnan and is writing articles about China's wildlife for Chinatown Magazine.Professor Wang Sung (Beijing), the 'David Attenborough' of China, has agreed to supply a Foreword.Heather Angel is a biologist and award-winning wildlife photographer who has made fifteen trips China to photograph the plants, wildlife and natural landscapes and has written two books about pandas. In 1985, Heather led a delegation of British photographers to China when she had her first solo exhibition in Beijing and a second one in 2003. Heather was President of the Royal Photographic Society from 1984-86 and she has been a Special Professor at Nottingham University since 1994. She runs her own photo library, Natural Visions.