七姊妹山自然(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區地(di)(di)處武陵山余脈(mo)，位(wei)于湖北(bei)省恩(en)施(shi)土家族苗族自治(zhi)州宣恩(en)縣(xian)的東(dong)部，其(qi)東(dong)與鶴(he)峰縣(xian)交界，南(nan)與湖南(nan)省桑植縣(xian)毗連，北(bei)與恩(en)施(shi)市(shi)相鄰(lin)。區內(nei)自然(ran)(ran)環境獨(du)特(te)，地(di)(di)貌(mao)類(lei)(lei)型多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)，珍稀野生動植物(wu)(wu)(wu)資源豐富，屬中國(guo)三大特(te)有(you)現(xian)象(xiang)中心之一的“川東(dong)-鄂(e)西特(te)有(you)現(xian)象(xiang)中心”的核心地(di)(di)帶，區內(nei)自然(ran)(ran)環境獨(du)特(te)，地(di)(di)貌(mao)類(lei)(lei)型多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)，生物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)十分豐富，被《中國(guo)生物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)行動計(ji)劃》和《中國(guo)生物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)國(guo)情(qing)研究報告》列為中國(guo)優先保(bao)護(hu)(hu)領域和具(ju)有(you)全球意義(yi)的生物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)關鍵地(di)(di)區。
七姊(zi)妹山國家級(ji)自然保護區的建立，有利于對原始(shi)珙桐純林群落、泥炭蘚森(sen)林沼(zhao)澤濕(shi)地以及華南虎(hu)等(deng)大型(xing)貓科動物棲息地的保護。
湖北七姊妹山國(guo)家級(ji)自然保(bao)(bao)護區(qu)(qu)總面積34550公頃(qing)(qing)，其中核(he)心區(qu)(qu)面積11560公頃(qing)(qing)，緩(huan)沖(chong)區(qu)(qu)面積11700公頃(qing)(qing)，實驗(yan)區(qu)(qu)面積11290公頃(qing)(qing)。保(bao)(bao)護區(qu)(qu)位于湖北省(sheng)宣恩縣境內(nei)，范圍在東經109°38′30″—109°47′00″，北緯29°39′30″—30°05′15″之間(jian)。
東自椿木營(ying)鄉張(zhang)家(jia)灣主峰(feng)起(qi)，向南經(jing)小窩盔(kui)主峰(feng)、穿孔子、李老(lao)四灣山(shan)梁(liang)，至(zhi)(zhi)木營(ying)村河(he)西山(shan)脊，再轉向東3公里至(zhi)(zhi)宣恩(en)縣與鶴峰(feng)縣的縣界(jie)(jie)，再沿縣界(jie)(jie)南下至(zhi)(zhi)湘鄂兩省省界(jie)(jie)，經(jing)省界(jie)(jie)與湖南八大(da)公山(shan)國(guo)家(jia)級(ji)自然(ran)保護區交界(jie)(jie)，沿省界(jie)(jie)南下至(zhi)(zhi)海拔1418.2米(mi)的土地埡，向西經(jing)風車口、桂竹梁(liang)，至(zhi)(zhi)沙道溝鎮紅旗坪村蘭花洞北面1185米(mi)主峰(feng)。
西界(jie)為(wei)向(xiang)東北(bei)經廟灣(wan)、埡楠坪(ping)、茶(cha)樹堡、顧(gu)家(jia)(jia)埡，至(zhi)(zhi)火燒(shao)坪(ping)，再(zai)向(xiang)北(bei)經大觀山(shan)、楊(yang)家(jia)(jia)河(he)(he)、核桃灣(wan)、周家(jia)(jia)壩(ba)、文家(jia)(jia)臺、茶(cha)園(yuan)北(bei)山(shan)、五架山(shan)、大坪(ping)山(shan)、蘆家(jia)(jia)界(jie)，越過后龍(long)山(shan)和(he)大峰尖，至(zhi)(zhi)保護(hu)區(qu)北(bei)面長潭(tan)河(he)(he)鄉貓子(zi)莊村的杉樹堡；北(bei)界(jie)為(wei)向(xiang)東經木林溪至(zhi)(zhi)宣恩(en)縣與恩(en)施市(shi)的交界(jie)處(chu)，再(zai)由縣界(jie)向(xiang)東南經樺桿坪(ping)西，至(zhi)(zhi)保護(hu)區(qu)東北(bei)椿(chun)木營鄉張家(jia)(jia)灣(wan)海(hai)拔1938米的主峰止。
七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)山是宣(xuan)(xuan)恩縣(xian)的第一高山，屬武陵山脈，距宣(xuan)(xuan)恩縣(xian)城約40km，總(zong)面(mian)積150km2。因七(qi)峰依次排列(lie)似傳說(shuo)中的七(qi)仙女而得名，其高烽火燒堡(bao)2014.5m，低處巴山坪(ping)1230m，相(xiang)對海(hai)拔734.5m。七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)相(xiang)傍(bang)相(xiang)依，在霧海(hai)霞光中時隱時現，好似七(qi)仙女踏著云簇一面(mian)俯瞰一面(mian)嬉笑(xiao)。七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)山，群峰崢(zheng)嶸(rong)，怪(guai)石頻矗，溪溝縱橫交錯，有常(chang)流(liu)溪溝8條，瀑布4處。
保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)總面積34550hm2，轄區(qu)(qu)內(nei)(nei)高海拔為2014.5m，低(di)海拔650m。保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)地(di)處(chu)長江中(zhong)(zhong)游第(di)二支(zhi)流(liu)清江的(de)(de)上(shang)游和洞庭湖沅江一級支(zhi)流(liu)酉水發(fa)源地(di)的(de)(de)交匯處(chu)，此保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)處(chu)于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)地(di)勢第(di)二節體向(xiang)第(di)三節體的(de)(de)過(guo)度區(qu)(qu)域(yu)，是中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)亞熱帶向(xiang)北亞熱帶的(de)(de)過(guo)度地(di)區(qu)(qu)，同時也屬中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)三大特有(you)現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)之一的(de)(de)“川東-鄂西特有(you)現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)”的(de)(de)核心(xin)地(di)帶，區(qu)(qu)內(nei)(nei)自然環(huan)境獨特，地(di)貌(mao)類型(xing)多樣，生(sheng)物多樣性十分豐富。
隨海(hai)拔(ba)(ba)高(gao)程的(de)(de)變化，呈明顯的(de)(de)垂(chui)直差(cha)異海(hai)拔(ba)(ba)800米以(yi)下的(de)(de)低(di)山帶，四季分明，冬(dong)暖夏熱(re)，雨熱(re)同步，光溫(wen)(wen)互補，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)(wen)15.8℃，無(wu)(wu)霜(shuang)期(qi)294天，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)(shui)量(liang)1491.3毫(hao)米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時(shi)(shi)數1136.2小時(shi)(shi)。海(hai)拔(ba)(ba)800—1200米的(de)(de)二高(gao)山地帶，春遲秋早(zao)，濕潤(run)多雨，光溫(wen)(wen)不足，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)(wen)13.7℃，無(wu)(wu)霜(shuang)期(qi)263天，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)(shui)量(liang)1635.3毫(hao)米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時(shi)(shi)數1212.4小時(shi)(shi)。海(hai)拔(ba)(ba)1200米以(yi)上的(de)(de)高(gao)山地帶，氣候冷涼(liang)，冬(dong)長夏短，易澇(lao)少(shao)旱，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)(wen)8.9℃，無(wu)(wu)霜(shuang)203天，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)(shui)量(liang)1867毫(hao)米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時(shi)(shi)數1519.9小時(shi)(shi)。
動(dong)物(wu)資源富有，珍稀(xi)植(zhi)物(wu)繁多(duo)。綠裝素裹的(de)(de)小(xiao)七(qi)(qi)秭妹山(shan)(shan)，挺(ting)拔俊(jun)秀的(de)(de)大七(qi)(qi)姊妹山(shan)(shan)，凌空(kong)突兀的(de)(de)剪(jian)刀夾峰(feng)，金獅(shi)迎客的(de)(de)石柱峰(feng)，千姿(zi)百(bai)(bai)態，樹海(hai)茫(mang)茫(mang)，流(liu)泉蜿蜒，飛瀑(pu)騰空(kong)，大小(xiao)景觀點(dian)數以百(bai)(bai)計，將整個七(qi)(qi)姊妹山(shan)(shan)系繪成(cheng)了一幅壯麗的(de)(de)畫面。區內(nei)植(zhi)物(wu)垂直帶(dai)譜完(wan)整、植(zhi)被(bei)保持完(wan)好，水量充沛，山(shan)(shan)體、孤(gu)峰(feng)、怪石造型(xing)奇(qi)特，大小(xiao)瀑(pu)布(bu)多(duo)姿(zi)多(duo)彩，是原始(shi)森林觀光探險旅游的(de)(de)勝地。
七姊妹山(shan)屬(shu)(shu)原(yuan)始森林。有維管束植(zhi)物(wu)144科(ke)(ke)、428屬(shu)(shu)、892種(zhong)。其(qi)中(zhong)木(mu)本植(zhi)物(wu)有90科(ke)(ke)、208屬(shu)(shu)、603種(zhong)。以(yi)殼斗科(ke)(ke)、樟科(ke)(ke)、薔薇(wei)科(ke)(ke)、杜(du)鵑(juan)科(ke)(ke)、山(shan)茶(cha)科(ke)(ke)、山(shan)礬(fan)科(ke)(ke)、七葉樹科(ke)(ke)、珙(gong)桐(tong)科(ke)(ke)為(wei)主。珍貴(gui)植(zhi)物(wu)中(zhong)，屬(shu)(shu)國家一(yi)級保護的(de)(de)一(yi)種(zhong)，二級保護的(de)(de)6種(zhong)，三(san)級保護的(de)(de)10種(zhong)，湖北特有植(zhi)物(wu)30種(zhong)。國家一(yi)級重(zhong)點保護的(de)(de)珙(gong)桐(tong)，分布面(mian)積(ji)達一(yi)萬(wan)余畝，其(qi)中(zhong)集中(zhong)分布面(mian)積(ji)3499畝。珙(gong)桐(tong)，是世界著(zhu)名孑遺植(zhi)物(wu)和觀(guan)賞(shang)植(zhi)物(wu)，每逢(feng)春夏之交(jiao)，正是珙(gong)桐(tong)的(de)(de)開花(hua)時節，滿山(shan)遍野的(de)(de)花(hua)朵，好似成群的(de)(de)白(bai)鴿棲(qi)息在枝頭(tou)，所(suo)以(yi)，珙(gong)桐(tong)俗稱鴿子樹。山(shan)中(zhong)有野生動(dong)物(wu)146種(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)獸類(lei)(lei)(lei)45種(zhong)，鳥類(lei)(lei)(lei)64種(zhong)，爬行類(lei)(lei)(lei)19種(zhong)，兩(liang)棲(qi)類(lei)(lei)(lei)18種(zhong)。屬(shu)(shu)國家保護的(de)(de)珍稀動(dong)物(wu)，有白(bai)冠長(chang)尾(wei)雉、紅腹(fu)錦雞、大鯢（娃娃魚）、水獺、大靈貓、小靈貓、獐(zhang)、林麝、蘇門羚(ling)等。還有實用價值(zhi)較高的(de)(de)果子貍、穿山(shan)甲、狗(gou)獾、黑熊、黃麂(ji)等。
七(qi)姊妹山(shan)，藥(yao)用植物分布面(mian)積較廣。較為突出的有天(tian)麻、黃連、芍(shao)藥(yao)、黨參、竹節人參、扣子(zi)七(qi)、算盤七(qi)、黃精、絞股(gu)蘭(lan)(lan)等。野生(sheng)花(hua)草種類繁多，有觀(guan)賞價(jia)值的約100余種，如杜鵑花(hua)就有18種，珙桐(tong)花(hua)漫山(shan)遍野，蘭(lan)(lan)草、木蘭(lan)(lan)、吊鐘花(hua)、紫(zi)薇、紫(zi)莖(jing)、野百合，處處可見。
七姊(zi)妹山(shan)自然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)(qu)蕨類植(zhi)(zhi)物區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)地理及資(zi)源開發研(yan)究(jiu)運用植(zhi)(zhi)物區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)地理分(fen)(fen)(fen)析(xi)(xi)方法對七姊(zi)妹山(shan)自然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)蕨類植(zhi)(zhi)物區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)特征進行研(yan)究(jiu)。科(ke)的(de)地理區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)分(fen)(fen)(fen)析(xi)(xi)表(biao)明(ming)，熱(re)帶(dai)(dai)、亞(ya)熱(re)帶(dai)(dai)成分(fen)(fen)(fen)高達58.3%，占(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)主導地位。屬的(de)地理區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)分(fen)(fen)(fen)析(xi)(xi)也表(biao)明(ming)了類似的(de)趨勢。種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)地理區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)分(fen)(fen)(fen)析(xi)(xi)表(biao)明(ming)，除了熱(re)帶(dai)(dai)、亞(ya)熱(re)帶(dai)(dai)成分(fen)(fen)(fen)占(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)有較高比例(li)外，溫(wen)帶(dai)(dai)分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)的(de)種(zhong)(zhong)也具有較高的(de)比例(li)，占(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)非世界廣布(bu)種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)31.2%。特別是世界溫(wen)帶(dai)(dai)分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)的(de)種(zhong)(zhong)占(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)較高比例(li)，達24.2%，這反映了溫(wen)帶(dai)(dai)成分(fen)(fen)(fen)的(de)重(zhong)要地位。
七(qi)姊妹山蕨(jue)類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物資源豐富，可區分(fen)為(wei)藥用(yong)(yong)、觀(guan)賞、食(shi)用(yong)(yong)、指(zhi)示類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物等幾大類(lei)。各(ge)種蕨(jue)類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物資源顯示了廣闊的利用(yong)(yong)前景。七(qi)姊妹山食(shi)用(yong)(yong)蕨(jue)類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物的大特(te)色是“富硒”除了抗氧化等生理與營養作用(yong)(yong)外(wai)，還抗鉛(qian)、汞、鎘(ge)、鉈、銀等重金屬(shu)毒害元素。
1988年9月13日，新華(hua)(hua)社(she)播發新聞通稿，華(hua)(hua)中師(shi)范大(da)學(xue)(xue)在對恩(en)施州(zhou)宣恩(en)縣七姊妹(mei)山地區進(jin)行科學(xue)(xue)考察時，驚喜(xi)地發現大(da)面積(ji)原始珙(gong)桐群落(luo)！
珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)是遠古侏羅紀第三紀冰(bing)川活動遺留(liu)下來的(de)(de)(de)孑遺植物(wu)(wu)，一(yi)度被(bei)世(shi)界(jie)生物(wu)(wu)學(xue)界(jie)列入(ru)“消(xiao)亡”名單(dan)。瀕臨(lin)消(xiao)亡的(de)(de)(de)珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)大面(mian)積現身鄂(e)西(xi)南！這帶給生物(wu)(wu)學(xue)界(jie)的(de)(de)(de)震撼不亞(ya)于(yu)一(yi)枚重磅炸彈的(de)(de)(de)爆(bao)炸，學(xue)界(jie)的(de)(de)(de)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)者們立刻行動起來了(le)，自1989年開(kai)(kai)始，華中師(shi)范(fan)大學(xue)、湖(hu)北大學(xue)、湖(hu)南師(shi)范(fan)大學(xue)、北京林業大學(xue)、中科院武漢植物(wu)(wu)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)所、湖(hu)北民(min)族學(xue)院等(deng)科研(yan)(yan)單(dan)位(wei)和大專(zhuan)院校的(de)(de)(de)專(zhuan)家(jia)教授，多(duo)次(ci)組織科研(yan)(yan)隊伍(wu)進入(ru)恩(en)施州宣恩(en)縣(xian)七姊妹(mei)山，開(kai)(kai)始了(le)揭開(kai)(kai)七姊妹(mei)山神秘面(mian)紗的(de)(de)(de)探(tan)索之旅，發表了(le)《鄂(e)西(xi)七姊妹(mei)山珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)(qun)(qun)落(luo)(luo)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》、《宣恩(en)七姊妹(mei)山珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)(qun)(qun)落(luo)(luo)種(zhong)間(jian)聯(lian)結(jie)分析》、《湖(hu)北七姊妹(mei)山珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)種(zhong)間(jian)結(jie)構研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》和《珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)(qun)(qun)落(luo)(luo)中珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)種(zhong)群(qun)(qun)(qun)與主要共生樹木種(zhong)群(qun)(qun)(qun)間(jian)聯(lian)結(jie)關系的(de)(de)(de)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》、《七姊妹(mei)山自然保護區珍(zhen)稀(xi)植物(wu)(wu)資源研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》等(deng)一(yi)系列科技論(lun)文。
同(tong)時(shi)，學界的(de)(de)研(yan)究(jiu)目(mu)(mu)光也鎖定(ding)了(le)整個七姊(zi)妹山(shan)，各科研(yan)機構、大(da)專(zhuan)院(yuan)校相繼在七姊(zi)妹山(shan)開展了(le)珍(zhen)稀瀕危(wei)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)及土著物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種的(de)(de)調(diao)查、鳥(niao)類調(diao)查、珍(zhen)稀瀕危(wei)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種監測項目(mu)(mu)、亞(ya)高山(shan)泥炭(tan)蘚(xian)沼澤濕地資源的(de)(de)研(yan)究(jiu)等(deng)專(zhuan)題研(yan)究(jiu)。對大(da)面積(ji)的(de)(de)原始珙(gong)桐純(chun)林、頻繁(fan)出現的(de)(de)大(da)型貓科動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)蹤(zong)跡(ji)、豐(feng)富的(de)(de)林麝資源和蘭(lan)科植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)資源等(deng)進行研(yan)究(jiu)。一時(shi)間，宣恩(en)七姊(zi)妹山(shan)成了(le)國內外生物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)學界關注的(de)(de)焦點之一。
珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)是中(zhong)國特有(you)(you)的(de)(de)第三紀古熱帶(dai)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區系孑遺植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)，國家一級重點保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)。目前珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)主要間斷分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)(bu)于中(zhong)國亞熱帶(dai)山(shan)地，并(bing)多(duo)呈零星分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)(bu)。同時，罕見(jian)的(de)(de)原(yuan)始珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)純林及大型貓科(ke)動(dong)物(wu)生(sheng)存環境(jing)，都具(ju)有(you)(you)國際公(gong)認的(de)(de)極高保(bao)(bao)護(hu)價值。研究者們在七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)發現，珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)(bu)約有(you)(you)500公(gong)頃(qing)，其中(zhong)有(you)(you)200公(gong)頃(qing)是保(bao)(bao)存完好的(de)(de)原(yuan)始珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)，并(bing)且這片原(yuan)始珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)五級立木齊全，種源充(chong)足，自然更(geng)新能力強，無人(ren)為干擾，構成(cheng)了穩定(ding)的(de)(de)森林生(sheng)態(tai)系統。更(geng)加讓(rang)人(ren)驚喜的(de)(de)是，七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)及其周(zhou)邊地區，曾(ceng)經是華南虎、金(jin)錢豹(bao)、云豹(bao)等大型貓科(ke)動(dong)物(wu)的(de)(de)集中(zhong)分(fen)(fen)(fen)布(bu)(bu)區域。近年來(lai)，隨著生(sheng)態(tai)環境(jing)的(de)(de)逐(zhu)步好轉，保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區及其周(zhou)邊發現大型貓科(ke)動(dong)物(wu)的(de)(de)活動(dong)蹤跡越來(lai)越頻繁。
景區主要為喀斯特地(di)貌，山體氣勢宏大，以七姊妹(mei)山為代表的絕(jue)壁孤峰(feng)(feng)卓然秀麗(li)，象形山石(shi)眾多；區內原(yuan)始林、次生林發育，保存良好；這里海拔高(gao)差懸殊，地(di)形復(fu)雜，溝谷(gu)切割較深，水量充沛(pei)，形成了(le)眾多各類型瀑布，驚險刺(ci)激(ji)，蔚為壯觀(guan)；區內還有道教勝地(di)中武當(dang)，縣(xian)蘇維埃政府舊(jiu)址，張難先(xian)隱居舊(jiu)址，及龍馬(ma)山、仙人洞等自(zi)然與人文(wen)景觀(guan)。每逢春(chun)夏之交，珙桐(tong)開花(hua)時節(jie)，七姊妹(mei)山滿山遍野的花(hua)朵，好似(si)成群的白(bai)鴿棲息(xi)在枝頭。七姊妹(mei)山景區內宜人的森林風光，茫茫林海，峽(xia)谷(gu)幽深，溪流(liu)湍急，群峰(feng)(feng)聳峙，是(shi)人們(men)探(tan)險尋勝和避暑消閑的勝地(di)。
七(qi)姊妹(mei)山景區(qu)內七(qi)峰排列(lie)，疑似仙女下凡，數(shu)以百計的(de)大小(xiao)景點裝飾著整(zheng)個七(qi)姊妹(mei)山系(xi)。1988年9月，華中師范大學(xue)在(zai)對(dui)七(qi)姊妹(mei)山地(di)區(qu)進行科學(xue)考察時，發現大面積原(yuan)(yuan)始(shi)珙桐群(qun)落(luo)。研究(jiu)發現，珙桐群(qun)落(luo)分(fen)布約有500公頃(qing)，其(qi)中有200公頃(qing)是(shi)保(bao)存完好的(de)原(yuan)(yuan)始(shi)珙桐群(qun)落(luo)，并且這片原(yuan)(yuan)始(shi)珙桐群(qun)落(luo)五級立木齊全，種源(yuan)充(chong)足，自然更新(xin)能力強，無人為干擾(rao)，構(gou)成了穩定(ding)的(de)森(sen)林生態系(xi)統。七(qi)姊妹(mei)山及其(qi)周(zhou)邊(bian)地(di)區(qu)，曾(ceng)經是(shi)華南虎、金錢豹、云豹等(deng)大型貓科動物的(de)集中分(fen)布區(qu)域。
統(tong)計表明：區內分布有國(guo)家(jia)珍(zhen)稀(xi)瀕危保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)國(guo)家(jia)重點保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)家(jia)Ⅰ級重點保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)有銀杏(xing)、紅豆杉(shan)、南方(fang)紅豆杉(shan)、鐘萼木、莼菜(cai)、珙桐、光葉(xie)珙桐共7種(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)家(jia)Ⅱ級重點保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)，重點保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)總(zong)數(shu)占湖北省國(guo)家(jia)重點保護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)總(zong)數(shu)46種(zhong)(zhong)的60.9%。
保護(hu)(hu)區(qu)內分布有國(guo)家重(zhong)點保護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)共56種(zhong)，其(qi)中Ⅰ級重(zhong)點保護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)有豹(bao)、云豹(bao)、金雕、林麝等(deng)5種(zhong)，Ⅱ級重(zhong)點保護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)51種(zhong)。近(jin)年(nian)來(lai)，隨(sui)著(zhu)生態環境的(de)逐步好轉，保護(hu)(hu)區(qu)及其(qi)周邊發現(xian)大型貓科動(dong)物(wu)(wu)的(de)活動(dong)蹤跡越(yue)來(lai)越(yue)頻(pin)繁。
七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)(shan)中(zhong)(zhong)的大面積(ji)珙桐群落(luo)帶給世人的驚喜還沒(mei)消退(tui)，自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)的建立就提上了政府(fu)工作議程(cheng)。1990年，宣恩縣政府(fu)批準(zhun)(zhun)成立了七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)(shan)縣級(ji)(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)，下設七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)(shan)縣級(ji)(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)管(guan)理站(zhan)。2002年，湖北省政府(fu)批準(zhun)(zhun)成立湖北七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)(shan)省級(ji)(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。2008年3月，喜訊傳(chuan)來，該自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)又再升(sheng)一級(ji)(ji)(ji)，成為國家級(ji)(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。至此，七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)(shan)國家級(ji)(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)總面積(ji)達34550公(gong)(gong)頃，其(qi)(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)核心區(qu)(qu)(qu)11560公(gong)(gong)頃，緩沖區(qu)(qu)(qu)11700公(gong)(gong)頃，實驗區(qu)(qu)(qu)11290公(gong)(gong)頃。其(qi)(qi)主(zhu)要保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)對象有(you)四種，即(ji)典型的中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶山(shan)(shan)地常綠闊(kuo)葉林(lin)生態系(xi)統(tong)、以(yi)珙桐為主(zhu)的珍(zhen)稀瀕(bin)危(wei)(wei)植物(wu)及其(qi)(qi)群落(luo)、以(yi)大型貓科動(dong)物(wu)為主(zhu)的珍(zhen)稀瀕(bin)危(wei)(wei)動(dong)物(wu)及其(qi)(qi)棲息(xi)環境，以(yi)及保(bao)(bao)(bao)存完好的亞(ya)高山(shan)(shan)泥炭蘚沼澤濕地。
七姊妹山自然保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)是華中(zhong)(zhong)地(di)(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)名副其實的(de)(de)生物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)基因庫，具有(you)(you)(you)(you)極(ji)高的(de)(de)科研和學術價值。首先(xian)是其原(yuan)(yuan)生性(xing)(xing)和典(dian)型性(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)正處于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)地(di)(di)(di)勢第二階梯向第三階梯的(de)(de)過渡地(di)(di)(di)帶(dai)(dai)(dai)，又剛好位(wei)于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)自然地(di)(di)(di)理(li)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)劃(hua)的(de)(de)北亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)(dai)與中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)(dai)的(de)(de)過渡帶(dai)(dai)(dai)的(de)(de)武(wu)陵山區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)，在地(di)(di)(di)理(li)上具有(you)(you)(you)(you)典(dian)型性(xing)(xing)和代(dai)表(biao)性(xing)(xing)。其次是生物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣性(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)處于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)(dai)季風潤濕氣候帶(dai)(dai)(dai)，未(wei)受(shou)到第四紀冰川的(de)(de)洗劫，現(xian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)存有(you)(you)(you)(you)5個植(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)型組(zu)，9個植(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)型，30個原(yuan)(yuan)始植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)群系。再(zai)次是物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)古老(lao)和珍稀瀕危(wei)(wei)性(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)是中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)第三紀植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系重要保(bao)(bao)(bao)存地(di)(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)之一，集中(zhong)(zhong)分(fen)布(bu)了中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)特有(you)(you)(you)(you)屬共(gong)(gong)32屬，這(zhe)些特有(you)(you)(you)(you)屬中(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)為單種(zhong)(zhong)屬，有(you)(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)為原(yuan)(yuan)始的(de)(de)多心(xin)皮(pi)類，有(you)(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)在其他地(di)(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)已(yi)成為化石，這(zhe)些特性(xing)(xing)均(jun)反映了該區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系的(de)(de)古老(lao)性(xing)(xing)。統(tong)計表(biao)明(ming)：區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)內分(fen)布(bu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)家(jia)珍稀瀕危(wei)(wei)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)(guo)家(jia)Ⅰ級重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)銀杏、紅(hong)豆杉、南方紅(hong)豆杉、鐘(zhong)萼木、莼菜(cai)、珙桐、光葉珙桐共(gong)(gong)7種(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)(guo)家(jia)Ⅱ級重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)，重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)總(zong)數占湖北省國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)總(zong)數46種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)60.9%。保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)內分(fen)布(bu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)共(gong)(gong)56種(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)(zhong)Ⅰ級重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)(you)(you)豹、云豹、金雕、林(lin)麝等5種(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)51種(zhong)(zhong)。
18個(ge)年(nian)頭，七姊妹(mei)(mei)山自然(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)躍升兩級(ji)，由“縣級(ji)”搖身成(cheng)了“國家級(ji)”，從而成(cheng)了公認(ren)的“國寶”。這一過程，無不顯示(shi)著該自然(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)在中(zhong)國范圍內(nei)生態保(bao)護(hu)(hu)、科學研(yan)究(jiu)等方面的重要性。經過生物學界專家們研(yan)究(jiu)得出的結論顯示(shi)：加強(qiang)對七姊妹(mei)(mei)山自然(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)內(nei)原始(shi)珙(gong)桐群落(luo)的保(bao)護(hu)(hu)，對研(yan)究(jiu)原始(shi)珙(gong)桐群落(luo)的自然(ran)(ran)(ran)更新和(he)演(yan)替、華中(zhong)地區(qu)(qu)(qu)古(gu)地質年(nian)代和(he)古(gu)氣(qi)候演(yan)變(bian)有著極(ji)為重要的保(bao)護(hu)(hu)價值(zhi)。
七(qi)姊妹山自然保護區處于(yu)中(zhong)(zhong)國地勢(shi)第二(er)階梯向第三階梯的(de)過渡區域，地處中(zhong)(zhong)國三大特(te)(te)有現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)之一(yi)的(de)“川東—鄂西特(te)(te)有現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)”的(de)核心(xin)地帶，位于(yu)中(zhong)(zhong)國中(zhong)(zhong)亞熱帶地區生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性較為豐(feng)富的(de)華中(zhong)(zhong)地區，自然環境獨特(te)(te)，地貌類型多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)，野(ye)生(sheng)(sheng)動植物(wu)(wu)(wu)資源十分豐(feng)富，被《中(zhong)(zhong)國生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性保護行動計劃》和《中(zhong)(zhong)國生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性國情研究(jiu)報告》列(lie)為中(zhong)(zhong)國優先保護領域和具(ju)有全球意義(yi)的(de)生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)性關鍵(jian)地區。
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