SCIENTIA GEOGRAPHICA SINICA ›› 1998, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (6): 531-537.doi: 10.13249/j.cnki.sgs.1998.06.531

Special Issue: 人地系统

Previous Articles     Next Articles

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON BIRD DIVERSITY AND MAN-LAND RELATION IN MENGSONG HANI ETHNIC REGION, XISHUANGBANNA, YUNNAN

Wang Zhijun1, Men Luo2, Duo Ge2, Zha Tu2, Zong Wei2   

  1. 1. Kunming Institute of Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropic Biology Garden, Academia Sinica, Kunming 650223;
    2. Mengsong village community, Darnenglong, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna 666100
  • Received:1997-10-27 Revised:1998-03-09 Online:1998-11-20 Published:1998-11-20

Abstract: In a Hani ethnic region of Mengsong area, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, near Burmerse border, there are traditional practices of agriforestry, which are dynamic adaptations to local geographic environment, and social economic conditions. This system works well and does not degrade the environment as long as human population density is low and there is abundant forest land. The Hani people had strong religious and cultural prohibitions a-gainst overcutting and overhunting. They can also manage natural environment and make ecotone habitats to maintain biological diversity. Bird diversity in different areas was obtained, a great deal of biodiversity exists in the place where people have lived for many generations, using the resources of their environment in a sustainable manner. Local people were practicing a traditional way of life in the land, the Hani people keep some areas as traditional conserving forests, in which the natural resources were selectively used with regeneration abilities, they are also as better habitats for birds. The present people are exploiting Mengsong area, the society is changing rapidly as it encounters outside influences, and there are often sharp differences between the older and younger generations. We should pay more attention to the ecological principle of man and land from the traditional practices.

CLC Number: 

  • Q143