The Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve (GNNR) comprises three discrete parts in the north, middle and south of the Gaoligong Mountain Range along the border between China and Myanmar. The nature reserve protects a series of vegetation types along an elevation gradient from subtropical evergreen forest to montane evergreen forest, subalpine conifer forest and alpine woodland and meadow, and several rare and endemic species. It covers an area of approximately 4055 sq. km1 within the administrative area of Longyang district and Tengchong, Lushui, Fugong, and Gongshan counties of Yunnan province. Its immense conservation value has been widely recognized – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (under the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas), and an IUCN Key Biodiversity Area. The ancient Southern Silk Route traverses through the southern part of the reserve. GNNR also has rich cultural diversity with 16 ethnic groups inhabiting the area, including the Lisu, Dai, Nu, Jingpo, Drung, and Tibetan.