Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is located at the center of Hainan Province and is the largest contiguous tropical rainforest in the country. The national park was officially established in 2021, part of the first five announced at COP15, and spans roughly ~4,400 square km.
The national park is rich in biodiversity, home to ~33% of China's reptile species, ~20% of its amphibian species, ~20% of its mammal species, and ~38% of its bird species.
Notably, it is home to the Hainan black crested gibbon, also known as the Hainan gibbon, a critically endangered primate only found on Hainan island. There are 35 individuals as of 2021, increased from 13 in 2003 thanks to protection efforts by local nature and forest reserves. Conservationists have carefully tracked their populations, monitored their sleeping sites, and restored their degraded habitat. If we are lucky, we can hear their calls echoing through the rainforest in the early mornings.
Rainforests are characterized by a plethora of unique vegetation phenomena that contribute to the incredible biodiversity and ecological complexity. Some of the typical vegetation phenomena in a rainforest include:
Aerial roots: Many plants in rainforests develop aerial roots that extend from branches down to the forest floor. These roots help them access nutrients and moisture from the air or from surfaces like tree trunks.
Strangling fig trees: Strangler figs begin their life as epiphytes on other trees. As they grow, their roots extend to the ground, gradually surrounding and enveloping the host tree. Eventually, the host tree can die, leaving a hollow core formed by the strangler fig.
Epiphytes: Rainforests are known for an abundance of epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants without being parasitic. Orchids, ferns, and bromeliads are common epiphytes, using trees for support while obtaining nutrients and water from the air and debris.
Buttress roots: Many rainforest trees develop large, flared roots known as buttresses at their base. These roots provide additional support in the shallow, nutrient-poor soil of the rainforest.
Carnivorous plants: Some rainforest plants, like pitcher plants, have adapted to nutrient-poor soils by becoming carnivorous. They capture and digest insects to supplement their nutrient intake.
Drip tips: The leaves of many rainforest plants have specialized tips that allow water to run off quickly. This adaptation helps prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria in humid conditions.
Canopy layering: Rainforests have distinct canopy layers formed by the arrangement of trees of varying heights. This layering creates a complex, multi-dimensional environment where different species can coexist.
Lianas: Lianas are woody vines that climb trees to reach the sunlight in the canopy. They can form intricate networks, creating natural bridges between trees.
We will be able to witness all of these phenomenon and more in our guided hikes through the rainforest.
The rainforest is also filled with stories of the Li people, who have lived in harmony with this fragile ecosystem for centuries. We will learn about their sustainable practices, from traditional farming techniques to their deep respect for the natural world.
Our tours are concentrated in three of the seven areas of the national park: Jianfengling, Bawangling, and Wuzhishan, which is the highest point of the island. Typical itineraries include rainforest hiking, mangrove forests, Eld's deer protection area, gibbon protection area, wildlife monitoring stations, hiking to Hainan's tallest peak, and stargazing.