A stable wild population of the Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) has been confirmed in Guangdong's Yunan Tongle Dashan Provincial Nature Reserve in Yunfu City, Guangdong Province. The finding was announced after a targeted survey conducted jointly by the reserve and the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences.
(Photo: Yunan Tongle Dashan Provincial Nature Reserve)
During night surveys in August 2025, researchers using the transect method identified 16 individuals along a 4-kilometer stretch, including four adults, nine subadults, and three juveniles. This diverse age structure indicates successful reproduction and a self-sustaining population. The species had not been recorded in the wild in Yunan for over a decade until initial traces were spotted in 2022, making this discovery particularly significant.
The Chinese water dragon, notable for its large size and specific aquatic habitat, is listed as a Class II nationally protected species in China. It is also classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN and Endangered (EN) on the Red List of China's Biodiversity. Its sensitivity to water purity and forest integrity makes it a key indicator of ecosystem quality.
In response to the discovery, the reserve has intensified patrols to prevent poaching and human disturbance. A long-term monitoring program has been launched to study population dynamics, reproduction, and habitat use. "This population provides critical baseline data for understanding the species' distribution and ecology in western Guangdong," said Liang Shuiping, a forestry engineer with the reserve management office.
According to Liang, their next step is to conduct another survey of the Chinese water dragon in collaboration with the investigation team from the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, to further clarify the population size and distribution, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive and in-depth specialized survey.
The presence of a stable population underscores the effectiveness of conservation measures in Tongle Dashan, which is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot within southern China's forest ecosystem. The reserve is also home to other protected species, such as the silver pheasant and leopard cat, reflecting broader regional ecological recovery.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Yunfu Fabu
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen H
