The “Xiangtou Mountain 2025 First Nature Observation Festival,” a key event in the Sixth Guangdong Forest Culture Week, recently concluded at the Guangdong Xiangtou Mountain National Nature Reserve.

Organized by the Guangdong Xiangtou Mountain National Nature Reserve Administration under the guidance of the Guangdong Provincial Forestry Bureau, the event featured a multidisciplinary team of experts spanning botany, entomology, ornithology, herpetology, ecological photography, macrofungi, and arachnology. These specialists provided comprehensive technical support through on-site guidance and online evaluations, ensuring the scientific rigor and accuracy of observation data.

Over the three-day event, 28 participants from seven teams conducted systematic ecological surveys along five observation routes under expert guidance. They recorded over 700 species of wild flora and fauna and submitted more than 6,500 photographs and video files. Based on points earned for recorded species categories, awards were presented including first, second, and third place for the overall competition, as well as specialized awards for Best Plant Observation, Best Insect Observation, Best Bird Observation, Best Amphibian and Reptile Observation, and Best Photography.

During observations, teams also identified multiple potential new species records. Experts across disciplines will conduct follow-up verification through detailed morphological comparisons and habitat analysis to confirm these discoveries.

Additionally, the event innovatively featured a night observation livestream, showcasing the reserve's “world of nocturnal creatures” in real-time via online platforms. Multiple special guests guided viewers in uncovering the wonders of darkness.

Through its innovative “observation + competition + science outreach” model, this event not only provided participants with professional nature observation experiences but also demonstrated new pathways for integrating nature conservation with public education through collaboration among multiple supporting organizations. The reserve administration stated that it will continue refining this event format to establish it as an influential nature education brand activity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao

Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong