Luohu biodiversity mascots debut on global stage
Luohu District of Shenzhen recently has unveiled two new biodiversity mascots — "Luo Xiaoling" and "Luo Xiaomian." Representing the district's unique wildlife and plant life, the mascots highlight how people and nature thrive together in the center of a modern megacity. Their debut at the 5th World Biosphere Reserve Conference in Hangzhou brought Luohu’s ecological story to a global stage.
Luo Xiaomian represents the wild plant Rhododendron moulmainense, a rare tree rhododendron that can grow 2–4 meters tall. It is Shenzhen's only arboreal rhododendron, naturally distributed in the city center, and also the southernmost and lowest-elevation tree rhododendron known worldwide.
Thanks to targeted conservation efforts since 2006, its population on Mount Wutong has increased to more than 21,000, and its spring blossoms have become a signature ecological attraction of Shenzhen.
Luo Xiaoling is modeled on the small Indian civet, a nocturnal carnivore about 55 centimeters long, with distinctive brown stripes and a ringed tail. Once threatened by hunting and habitat loss, the species is under first-class national protection.
Recent infrared camera footage from Mount Wutong has confirmed its continued presence, highlighting the progress of Luohu’s biodiversity conservation.
By unveiling Luo Xiaoling and Luo Xiaomian on this international stage, Luohu shared its ecological story in a language understood worldwide. Looking ahead, the district will launch a year-round campaign to build a beautiful Luohu, engaging the public through study tours, classrooms, and exhibitions to turn citizens from onlookers into partners, making biodiversity protection a new trend in urban life.
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