巩留野核桃自然保护区, Nature reserve in Tokkuztara County, China.
Gongliu Wild Walnut Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the mountainous landscape of the Tian Shan range, where wild walnut trees and various ecosystems coexist. The terrain contains several different habitat types that support a wide array of plant and animal species across the region.
The Chinese government established this protected area in 1983 with the aim of preserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance in the Ili region. This designation became an important step in protecting the wild walnut forests from excessive use and degradation.
The Kazakh communities living nearby have long-standing knowledge about walnut gathering and plant use that has passed down through families and continues to shape how people relate to this land. You can see this traditional understanding reflected in how locals interact with the natural resources here.
Visiting the reserve requires a permit and must be done with an authorized guide, as the area is under strict protection. Access is restricted to specific seasons, so it is important to check current conditions before planning your visit.
The reserve contains one of China's largest concentrations of wild walnut trees, serving as a genetic reservoir for this species. This stands out globally and makes the area important for research on preserving walnut biodiversity.
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