China is home to an incredibly diverse collection of animals. More than 6,000 different species of vertebrates can be found in this country, including 100 species are unique to the country. Some of the amazing, rare animals living there include the red-crowned crane, South China tiger, white-flag dolphin and the
giant panda.
The red-crowned crane graces the Chinese landscape with its long neck, pure-white plumage, jet black neck and stunning red crown on its head. These cranes can be found throughout the open marshes, wet meadows and bogs throughout the northeastern areas of China. They dine on insects, fish, aquatic invertebrates, small rodents and amphibians. They also eat the waste grains and other plant material that can be found in rice fields.
The southeast region of China has subtropical evergreen forest, and this is where any remaining South China tigers would be found. These tigers range from 140 to 300 cm in body length including the tail. They can weigh up to 300 kg and stand up to 1.2 m tall at the head. Supreme hunters, they survive large mammals, although they will also dine on smaller mammals, birds, fish and reptiles.
The Yangtze River of China is home to another unique animal, the white-flag dolphin. Also known as the baiji, this graceful dolphin is found in the freshwater rivers and lakes. Commonly found in the Yangtze River, baiji prefer the deeper areas. Over the years, the numbers of the white-flag dolphin have been declining. Experts now believe that this dolphin may be functionally extinct.
The giant panda once faced extinction itself. This recognizable, black and white bear is now protected by law in the country. Revered for thousands of years, international efforts are currently underway to prevent its extinction. Giant pandas can be found in cold, rainy bamboo forests that grow in the mountainous region of western China. The bamboo provides both food and shelter for these animals. The pandas also eat grasses, fruits, some rodents and insects.
China is a unique country with many wonderful sights to offer. The climate in this nation ranges from bitter cold to intense heat with many different ecosystems filling the countryside. The topography includes mountains, valleys, marshes, rivers and even the rainforest. There are many amazing and unique animals that call this country their home, including the colorful red-crowned crane and the giant panda.