七姊妹山(shan)自然(ran)保護區(qu)地處武(wu)陵山(shan)余(yu)脈(mo)，位于湖北(bei)省恩施土(tu)家族(zu)苗族(zu)自治州宣(xuan)恩縣的東部，其東與鶴(he)峰縣交界，南與湖南省桑(sang)植縣毗連，北(bei)與恩施市(shi)相鄰(lin)。區(qu)內自然(ran)環境(jing)獨特(te)，地貌類型多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)，珍稀野生動植物資源豐富，屬中國三大特(te)有現(xian)象中心(xin)之一的“川東-鄂(e)西特(te)有現(xian)象中心(xin)”的核心(xin)地帶，區(qu)內自然(ran)環境(jing)獨特(te)，地貌類型多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)，生物多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)性十分豐富，被《中國生物多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)性保護行動計(ji)劃》和(he)《中國生物多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)性國情研究報告》列為(wei)中國優先保護領域和(he)具有全球(qiu)意義的生物多(duo)樣(yang)(yang)(yang)性關鍵地區(qu)。
七姊妹山國家級自然(ran)保護(hu)區的建(jian)立(li)，有利于對(dui)原始珙桐純林(lin)群落、泥炭蘚森(sen)林(lin)沼澤濕地(di)以及華南虎等大型貓(mao)科(ke)動物棲(qi)息地(di)的保護(hu)。
湖(hu)北(bei)(bei)七姊妹山國家級(ji)自然保護(hu)區總面(mian)積(ji)34550公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)，其中核心區面(mian)積(ji)11560公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)，緩沖區面(mian)積(ji)11700公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)，實驗區面(mian)積(ji)11290公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)。保護(hu)區位于(yu)湖(hu)北(bei)(bei)省(sheng)宣恩(en)縣境內，范圍在東經109°38′30″—109°47′00″，北(bei)(bei)緯(wei)29°39′30″—30°05′15″之(zhi)間。
東自椿木(mu)營鄉張家灣(wan)主(zhu)峰(feng)起，向(xiang)南(nan)(nan)經小窩盔主(zhu)峰(feng)、穿孔子、李(li)老四灣(wan)山梁，至(zhi)木(mu)營村(cun)河(he)西山脊，再轉向(xiang)東3公(gong)里至(zhi)宣恩縣(xian)與(yu)鶴(he)峰(feng)縣(xian)的縣(xian)界(jie)，再沿縣(xian)界(jie)南(nan)(nan)下至(zhi)湘鄂兩省(sheng)省(sheng)界(jie)，經省(sheng)界(jie)與(yu)湖南(nan)(nan)八大(da)公(gong)山國家級自然(ran)保護區交界(jie)，沿省(sheng)界(jie)南(nan)(nan)下至(zhi)海拔1418.2米(mi)的土地埡，向(xiang)西經風車口、桂竹梁，至(zhi)沙道溝鎮紅旗坪村(cun)蘭花洞北面1185米(mi)主(zhu)峰(feng)。
西界(jie)為向東(dong)(dong)北(bei)(bei)(bei)經廟灣(wan)、埡(wu)楠坪(ping)、茶樹堡、顧(gu)家(jia)埡(wu)，至(zhi)火燒坪(ping)，再向北(bei)(bei)(bei)經大觀山、楊家(jia)河、核桃(tao)灣(wan)、周家(jia)壩(ba)、文家(jia)臺、茶園北(bei)(bei)(bei)山、五架山、大坪(ping)山、蘆(lu)家(jia)界(jie)，越過后龍山和大峰尖(jian)，至(zhi)保護區北(bei)(bei)(bei)面長(chang)潭河鄉貓子莊(zhuang)村的杉樹堡；北(bei)(bei)(bei)界(jie)為向東(dong)(dong)經木林溪至(zhi)宣恩縣(xian)與恩施市的交(jiao)界(jie)處，再由縣(xian)界(jie)向東(dong)(dong)南(nan)經樺桿坪(ping)西，至(zhi)保護區東(dong)(dong)北(bei)(bei)(bei)椿木營鄉張家(jia)灣(wan)海拔1938米的主(zhu)峰止。
七姊妹山是宣(xuan)恩縣的(de)第一(yi)高山，屬(shu)武陵山脈，距(ju)宣(xuan)恩縣城約40km，總面(mian)積150km2。因七峰依次排列(lie)似傳說中的(de)七仙(xian)女而得名，其高烽火(huo)燒堡2014.5m，低(di)處(chu)巴(ba)山坪1230m，相(xiang)(xiang)對海拔734.5m。七姊妹相(xiang)(xiang)傍相(xiang)(xiang)依，在霧海霞光中時(shi)隱(yin)時(shi)現，好似七仙(xian)女踏著(zhu)云(yun)簇一(yi)面(mian)俯瞰一(yi)面(mian)嬉笑。七姊妹山，群峰崢嶸，怪石頻矗，溪溝縱橫交錯，有常流溪溝8條，瀑(pu)布4處(chu)。
保(bao)護(hu)區總面積34550hm2，轄區內高海(hai)拔為2014.5m，低(di)海(hai)拔650m。保(bao)護(hu)區地(di)(di)處長江(jiang)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)游(you)第(di)二支流(liu)清江(jiang)的上游(you)和洞庭湖沅江(jiang)一級支流(liu)酉水發源地(di)(di)的交匯處，此保(bao)護(hu)區處于中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)地(di)(di)勢第(di)二節體(ti)(ti)向第(di)三(san)節體(ti)(ti)的過度(du)區域，是中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱(re)帶向北亞(ya)熱(re)帶的過度(du)地(di)(di)區，同時也屬中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)三(san)大特(te)(te)有(you)現(xian)象中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)之一的“川(chuan)東(dong)-鄂西特(te)(te)有(you)現(xian)象中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)”的核(he)心(xin)地(di)(di)帶，區內自(zi)然(ran)環境(jing)獨特(te)(te)，地(di)(di)貌(mao)類型多樣，生物多樣性十分(fen)豐(feng)富。
隨海(hai)拔高(gao)程的(de)變(bian)化，呈(cheng)明顯的(de)垂(chui)直差(cha)異海(hai)拔800米以下的(de)低山帶，四季分(fen)明，冬暖夏熱，雨熱同步，光溫(wen)互補，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均氣溫(wen)15.8℃，無霜期294天(tian)，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)量(liang)(liang)1491.3毫米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時數(shu)1136.2小時。海(hai)拔800—1200米的(de)二高(gao)山地帶，春遲秋早，濕(shi)潤多雨，光溫(wen)不(bu)足(zu)，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均氣溫(wen)13.7℃，無霜期263天(tian)，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)量(liang)(liang)1635.3毫米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時數(shu)1212.4小時。海(hai)拔1200米以上的(de)高(gao)山地帶，氣候(hou)冷涼(liang)，冬長夏短，易澇少(shao)旱，年(nian)(nian)(nian)均氣溫(wen)8.9℃，無霜203天(tian)，年(nian)(nian)(nian)降水(shui)量(liang)(liang)1867毫米，年(nian)(nian)(nian)日(ri)照(zhao)時數(shu)1519.9小時。
動物(wu)資源(yuan)富有，珍稀植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)繁多(duo)(duo)。綠裝素(su)裹的(de)(de)小(xiao)七秭妹山，挺拔俊秀的(de)(de)大(da)七姊妹山，凌(ling)空(kong)突兀的(de)(de)剪刀夾(jia)峰，金獅迎客的(de)(de)石柱峰，千姿(zi)百(bai)態，樹海茫茫，流泉蜿(wan)蜒，飛瀑騰空(kong)，大(da)小(xiao)景觀點數以百(bai)計(ji)，將(jiang)整(zheng)個七姊妹山系繪成了一幅(fu)壯麗的(de)(de)畫面。區內植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)垂直帶譜(pu)完整(zheng)、植(zhi)(zhi)被保(bao)持(chi)完好，水量充沛(pei)，山體、孤峰、怪石造型奇特，大(da)小(xiao)瀑布多(duo)(duo)姿(zi)多(duo)(duo)彩(cai)，是原始(shi)森林觀光探險旅游的(de)(de)勝地(di)。
七姊妹(mei)山(shan)屬(shu)(shu)原始森林(lin)。有(you)維管(guan)束植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)144科、428屬(shu)(shu)、892種(zhong)(zhong)。其中(zhong)(zhong)木本植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)90科、208屬(shu)(shu)、603種(zhong)(zhong)。以(yi)(yi)殼斗科、樟科、薔薇科、杜鵑科、山(shan)茶科、山(shan)礬科、七葉樹科、珙(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)科為(wei)主。珍(zhen)貴植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中(zhong)(zhong)，屬(shu)(shu)國家(jia)(jia)一(yi)(yi)級(ji)保(bao)護(hu)的(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong)，二級(ji)保(bao)護(hu)的(de)(de)6種(zhong)(zhong)，三級(ji)保(bao)護(hu)的(de)(de)10種(zhong)(zhong)，湖北特有(you)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)30種(zhong)(zhong)。國家(jia)(jia)一(yi)(yi)級(ji)重點保(bao)護(hu)的(de)(de)珙(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)，分布(bu)(bu)面積(ji)達一(yi)(yi)萬(wan)余畝，其中(zhong)(zhong)集(ji)中(zhong)(zhong)分布(bu)(bu)面積(ji)3499畝。珙(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)，是(shi)世界(jie)著名孑遺植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)和觀賞(shang)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)，每逢春(chun)夏之交，正是(shi)珙(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)的(de)(de)開(kai)花時節(jie)，滿山(shan)遍野(ye)的(de)(de)花朵，好(hao)似成群的(de)(de)白鴿棲(qi)息在(zai)枝(zhi)頭，所(suo)以(yi)(yi)，珙(gong)(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)俗稱鴿子樹。山(shan)中(zhong)(zhong)有(you)野(ye)生動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)146種(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)(zhong)獸類45種(zhong)(zhong)，鳥類64種(zhong)(zhong)，爬(pa)行類19種(zhong)(zhong)，兩(liang)棲(qi)類18種(zhong)(zhong)。屬(shu)(shu)國家(jia)(jia)保(bao)護(hu)的(de)(de)珍(zhen)稀動物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)，有(you)白冠長尾雉、紅腹錦(jin)雞、大(da)鯢（娃(wa)娃(wa)魚(yu)）、水(shui)獺、大(da)靈(ling)貓、小(xiao)靈(ling)貓、獐、林(lin)麝、蘇門羚等。還有(you)實用價值(zhi)較高的(de)(de)果子貍、穿(chuan)山(shan)甲、狗獾、黑熊(xiong)、黃麂(ji)等。
七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)，藥(yao)用植(zhi)物(wu)分布(bu)面積較(jiao)廣。較(jiao)為突出(chu)的(de)有天(tian)麻、黃(huang)(huang)連、芍藥(yao)、黨參(can)、竹節人參(can)、扣(kou)子七(qi)(qi)、算盤七(qi)(qi)、黃(huang)(huang)精、絞股蘭(lan)等。野(ye)生花草種類繁多，有觀賞價值(zhi)的(de)約(yue)100余種，如(ru)杜鵑花就(jiu)有18種，珙桐(tong)花漫山(shan)(shan)遍野(ye)，蘭(lan)草、木蘭(lan)、吊鐘花、紫薇、紫莖、野(ye)百合(he)，處處可見。
七(qi)姊(zi)妹山自(zi)然(ran)保護區(qu)(qu)蕨類植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)地(di)理(li)及(ji)資源開發(fa)研究運用(yong)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)地(di)理(li)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)方法對七(qi)姊(zi)妹山自(zi)然(ran)保護區(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)蕨類植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)特征進行研究。科的(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)表(biao)明，熱帶(dai)、亞熱帶(dai)成分(fen)(fen)高(gao)達58.3%，占(zhan)主導地(di)位。屬的(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)也表(biao)明了類似的(de)(de)趨(qu)勢。種的(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區(qu)(qu)系(xi)(xi)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)表(biao)明，除了熱帶(dai)、亞熱帶(dai)成分(fen)(fen)占(zhan)有較高(gao)比(bi)(bi)例外，溫帶(dai)分(fen)(fen)布的(de)(de)種也具有較高(gao)的(de)(de)比(bi)(bi)例，占(zhan)非(fei)世界廣布種的(de)(de)31.2%。特別是世界溫帶(dai)分(fen)(fen)布的(de)(de)種占(zhan)較高(gao)比(bi)(bi)例，達24.2%，這反映了溫帶(dai)成分(fen)(fen)的(de)(de)重要地(di)位。
七(qi)姊妹山蕨(jue)類(lei)植物(wu)資源(yuan)豐富(fu)，可(ke)區分為藥用、觀(guan)賞、食用、指示類(lei)植物(wu)等幾大類(lei)。各種蕨(jue)類(lei)植物(wu)資源(yuan)顯(xian)示了廣闊的利用前景(jing)。七(qi)姊妹山食用蕨(jue)類(lei)植物(wu)的大特色是(shi)“富(fu)硒”除了抗(kang)氧化等生理與營養(yang)作(zuo)用外，還(huan)抗(kang)鉛、汞、鎘、鉈、銀等重金屬毒害元素。
1988年9月(yue)13日，新華社(she)播發(fa)新聞通(tong)稿，華中師(shi)范大學(xue)在對恩(en)施州宣恩(en)縣七姊(zi)妹山地(di)區(qu)進行(xing)科(ke)學(xue)考察時，驚喜地(di)發(fa)現大面積(ji)原始珙(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落！
珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)是(shi)遠(yuan)古侏(zhu)羅紀第三(san)紀冰川(chuan)活動遺(yi)留下來(lai)的(de)孑遺(yi)植物(wu)(wu)，一(yi)度被世(shi)界生物(wu)(wu)學(xue)界列(lie)入“消亡(wang)”名單。瀕臨消亡(wang)的(de)珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)大面積現身鄂(e)西南！這(zhe)帶給生物(wu)(wu)學(xue)界的(de)震撼不亞于一(yi)枚(mei)重磅(bang)炸彈的(de)爆炸，學(xue)界的(de)研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)者們(men)立(li)刻行動起來(lai)了(le)，自1989年開始(shi)，華中師范大學(xue)、湖(hu)北大學(xue)、湖(hu)南師范大學(xue)、北京林業大學(xue)、中科院(yuan)武漢植物(wu)(wu)研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)所、湖(hu)北民族學(xue)院(yuan)等科研(yan)單位和(he)大專院(yuan)校的(de)專家教授(shou)，多次組織科研(yan)隊(dui)伍進入恩施州宣恩縣七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)，開始(shi)了(le)揭開七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)神(shen)秘面紗的(de)探索之旅(lv)，發表了(le)《鄂(e)西七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群落研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)》、《宣恩七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群落種間聯結(jie)(jie)分析》、《湖(hu)北七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)種間結(jie)(jie)構研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)》和(he)《珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)群落中珙(gong)(gong)(gong)桐(tong)種群與主要共(gong)生樹木種群間聯結(jie)(jie)關(guan)系的(de)研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)》、《七(qi)姊(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)自然保護區珍稀植物(wu)(wu)資源研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)》等一(yi)系列(lie)科技論文。
同時，學(xue)界的研究(jiu)目(mu)光也鎖定了(le)整個七(qi)姊妹山，各(ge)科研機構、大專院校相繼在七(qi)姊妹山開(kai)展了(le)珍(zhen)稀瀕危植物(wu)及土著物(wu)種的調(diao)(diao)查、鳥(niao)類調(diao)(diao)查、珍(zhen)稀瀕危物(wu)種監測(ce)項目(mu)、亞(ya)高山泥炭蘚沼(zhao)澤濕地資源的研究(jiu)等專題(ti)研究(jiu)。對大面積(ji)的原始珙桐純林、頻繁(fan)出現的大型(xing)貓科動物(wu)蹤跡、豐富(fu)的林麝資源和蘭科植物(wu)資源等進行(xing)研究(jiu)。一時間(jian)，宣恩七(qi)姊妹山成了(le)國內外生物(wu)學(xue)界關注的焦點之(zhi)一。
珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)是中國特有的(de)(de)(de)第三紀古熱帶(dai)(dai)植(zhi)物區(qu)(qu)系孑遺(yi)植(zhi)物，國家一級重點保(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物。目(mu)前珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)主要間斷分布(bu)(bu)(bu)于中國亞熱帶(dai)(dai)山(shan)地(di)，并(bing)多(duo)呈零星分布(bu)(bu)(bu)。同時，罕見的(de)(de)(de)原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)純林及大型(xing)(xing)貓(mao)(mao)科(ke)動(dong)(dong)物生存(cun)環境，都(dou)具有國際(ji)公認的(de)(de)(de)極(ji)高(gao)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)價(jia)值。研(yan)究(jiu)者們在七姊妹山(shan)發現，珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)群落(luo)分布(bu)(bu)(bu)約(yue)有500公頃(qing)，其(qi)中有200公頃(qing)是保(bao)存(cun)完好的(de)(de)(de)原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)群落(luo)，并(bing)且這片原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)(tong)(tong)群落(luo)五級立(li)木齊全，種(zhong)源充足(zu)，自然更新能(neng)力強，無(wu)人為干擾，構成了(le)穩(wen)定的(de)(de)(de)森林生態(tai)系統。更加讓(rang)人驚(jing)喜的(de)(de)(de)是，七姊妹山(shan)及其(qi)周邊地(di)區(qu)(qu)，曾經(jing)是華南虎、金(jin)錢(qian)豹(bao)、云豹(bao)等大型(xing)(xing)貓(mao)(mao)科(ke)動(dong)(dong)物的(de)(de)(de)集中分布(bu)(bu)(bu)區(qu)(qu)域。近年來，隨(sui)著(zhu)生態(tai)環境的(de)(de)(de)逐(zhu)步好轉(zhuan)，保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)及其(qi)周邊發現大型(xing)(xing)貓(mao)(mao)科(ke)動(dong)(dong)物的(de)(de)(de)活動(dong)(dong)蹤跡越來越頻繁。
景區主要為喀斯特地貌，山(shan)體氣勢宏大，以七姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)為代表(biao)的絕(jue)壁孤(gu)峰(feng)卓然秀麗(li)，象形山(shan)石眾多(duo)；區內原始林(lin)(lin)、次(ci)生(sheng)林(lin)(lin)發育(yu)，保存良好(hao)；這里海拔高差懸殊(shu)，地形復雜，溝谷切割較深(shen)，水(shui)量充沛(pei)，形成了眾多(duo)各類型瀑布，驚險(xian)刺(ci)激，蔚為壯觀(guan)；區內還有道教勝地中(zhong)武(wu)當，縣蘇(su)維埃政府舊(jiu)址(zhi)，張難先隱居舊(jiu)址(zhi)，及龍馬山(shan)、仙(xian)人(ren)洞等(deng)自然與人(ren)文景觀(guan)。每逢春夏之交，珙桐(tong)開花時節，七姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)滿(man)山(shan)遍野的花朵，好(hao)似(si)成群(qun)的白(bai)鴿(ge)棲(qi)息在枝頭。七姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)景區內宜(yi)人(ren)的森林(lin)(lin)風(feng)光，茫(mang)茫(mang)林(lin)(lin)海，峽谷幽深(shen)，溪流湍急，群(qun)峰(feng)聳峙，是(shi)人(ren)們探險(xian)尋勝和避暑消(xiao)閑的勝地。
七(qi)姊妹(mei)山(shan)(shan)(shan)景區內七(qi)峰(feng)排列，疑似仙女下(xia)凡，數以(yi)百計(ji)的(de)大(da)小景點(dian)裝飾著(zhu)整個七(qi)姊妹(mei)山(shan)(shan)(shan)系。1988年9月，華中(zhong)(zhong)師范大(da)學在對七(qi)姊妹(mei)山(shan)(shan)(shan)地區進行科學考察時，發(fa)現大(da)面積原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)。研究發(fa)現，珙(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)分(fen)(fen)布(bu)約有500公(gong)頃，其中(zhong)(zhong)有200公(gong)頃是保存完好的(de)原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)，并(bing)且這片原始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)群(qun)落(luo)五級立木(mu)齊(qi)全，種源充足，自然更新(xin)能力強，無人為干擾，構成了穩定的(de)森林生(sheng)態系統。七(qi)姊妹(mei)山(shan)(shan)(shan)及其周邊地區，曾經是華南(nan)虎(hu)、金錢(qian)豹、云豹等大(da)型貓科動物的(de)集中(zhong)(zhong)分(fen)(fen)布(bu)區域。
統(tong)計表明(ming)：區內分(fen)布有國(guo)家(jia)珍稀瀕危保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)，其中國(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)家(jia)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)有銀(yin)杏、紅豆杉、南方紅豆杉、鐘萼木(mu)、莼菜、珙桐、光(guang)葉珙桐共7種(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)家(jia)Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)，重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)總數占湖(hu)北省國(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)總數46種(zhong)(zhong)的60.9%。
保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)內分(fen)布有國家重點保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)共56種(zhong)，其中Ⅰ級(ji)重點保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)有豹、云豹、金雕、林麝等5種(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)重點保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)51種(zhong)。近年來，隨著生態(tai)環境的逐步好轉，保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)及(ji)其周邊(bian)發(fa)現大型貓科動(dong)物(wu)(wu)的活(huo)動(dong)蹤(zong)跡越來越頻繁(fan)。
七姊妹(mei)山(shan)中(zhong)的(de)(de)大面(mian)積珙桐群落(luo)帶給世人的(de)(de)驚喜(xi)還沒消退(tui)，自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區的(de)(de)建立(li)(li)就提(ti)上了政(zheng)府(fu)工作議程。1990年(nian)，宣(xuan)恩縣(xian)政(zheng)府(fu)批準成(cheng)立(li)(li)了七姊妹(mei)山(shan)縣(xian)級自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區，下設七姊妹(mei)山(shan)縣(xian)級自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區管理站。2002年(nian)，湖北(bei)省(sheng)政(zheng)府(fu)批準成(cheng)立(li)(li)湖北(bei)七姊妹(mei)山(shan)省(sheng)級自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區。2008年(nian)3月，喜(xi)訊傳來，該自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區又再(zai)升一級，成(cheng)為(wei)(wei)國(guo)家級自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區。至此，七姊妹(mei)山(shan)國(guo)家級自(zi)然(ran)保護(hu)區總(zong)面(mian)積達34550公頃，其中(zhong)核心區11560公頃，緩(huan)沖區11700公頃，實驗區11290公頃。其主(zhu)要保護(hu)對象有四種，即典型(xing)的(de)(de)中(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶山(shan)地常綠闊(kuo)葉林生態系統(tong)、以(yi)珙桐為(wei)(wei)主(zhu)的(de)(de)珍稀瀕危(wei)植物及(ji)其群落(luo)、以(yi)大型(xing)貓科動物為(wei)(wei)主(zhu)的(de)(de)珍稀瀕危(wei)動物及(ji)其棲息環境(jing)，以(yi)及(ji)保存完(wan)好(hao)的(de)(de)亞(ya)高山(shan)泥炭蘚沼澤(ze)濕地。
七姊妹山自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)是(shi)華中(zhong)(zhong)地(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)名副其(qi)實(shi)的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)基因庫，具有(you)(you)極高(gao)的(de)(de)(de)科(ke)研和(he)(he)學術價(jia)值。首先是(shi)其(qi)原(yuan)生(sheng)(sheng)性和(he)(he)典型性。保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)正處(chu)于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)地(di)(di)勢第二階(jie)梯向第三階(jie)梯的(de)(de)(de)過渡地(di)(di)帶(dai)(dai)，又剛好位于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)自(zi)然(ran)地(di)(di)理區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)劃的(de)(de)(de)北(bei)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)與中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)的(de)(de)(de)過渡帶(dai)(dai)的(de)(de)(de)武陵山區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)，在地(di)(di)理上具有(you)(you)典型性和(he)(he)代表性。其(qi)次是(shi)生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)多(duo)樣(yang)性。保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)處(chu)于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)(dai)季風潤(run)濕氣候帶(dai)(dai)，未受到第四(si)紀冰川的(de)(de)(de)洗劫，現保(bao)(bao)存有(you)(you)5個植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被型組，9個植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被型，30個原(yuan)始(shi)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)群(qun)系(xi)。再次是(shi)物(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)古老和(he)(he)珍(zhen)稀(xi)瀕危性。保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)是(shi)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)第三紀植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)要保(bao)(bao)存地(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)之一，集中(zhong)(zhong)分(fen)布(bu)了中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)特(te)有(you)(you)屬(shu)共32屬(shu)，這(zhe)些特(te)有(you)(you)屬(shu)中(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)為單(dan)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)屬(shu)，有(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)為原(yuan)始(shi)的(de)(de)(de)多(duo)心皮類，有(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)在其(qi)他地(di)(di)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)已成為化石，這(zhe)些特(te)性均反(fan)映了該區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)的(de)(de)(de)古老性。統計表明：區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)內分(fen)布(bu)有(you)(you)國(guo)家(jia)(jia)珍(zhen)稀(xi)瀕危保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)家(jia)(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)家(jia)(jia)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)銀杏、紅豆杉、南方紅豆杉、鐘萼木、莼菜(cai)、珙(gong)桐(tong)、光葉(xie)珙(gong)桐(tong)共7種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)家(jia)(jia)Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)總數(shu)占(zhan)湖北(bei)省國(guo)家(jia)(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)總數(shu)46種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)60.9%。保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)內分(fen)布(bu)有(you)(you)國(guo)家(jia)(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動物(wu)(wu)共56種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動物(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)豹(bao)、云豹(bao)、金雕、林麝等5種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動物(wu)(wu)51種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
18個(ge)年頭，七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)躍升(sheng)兩級，由(you)“縣級”搖身成(cheng)了(le)(le)“國家(jia)級”，從而(er)成(cheng)了(le)(le)公認的(de)(de)“國寶”。這一過程(cheng)，無不顯示著(zhu)該(gai)自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)在中國范圍(wei)內(nei)生(sheng)態保(bao)(bao)護(hu)、科學研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)等方面的(de)(de)重要性。經過生(sheng)物(wu)學界專家(jia)們(men)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)得出的(de)(de)結論顯示：加強(qiang)對(dui)七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)內(nei)原(yuan)始(shi)珙桐(tong)群(qun)落的(de)(de)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)，對(dui)研(yan)(yan)究(jiu)原(yuan)始(shi)珙桐(tong)群(qun)落的(de)(de)自(zi)然(ran)更新和演替(ti)、華中地區(qu)古(gu)地質年代和古(gu)氣(qi)候演變有著(zhu)極為重要的(de)(de)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)價值。
七姊妹(mei)山自然保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區處于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)地(di)(di)勢第(di)二階梯向第(di)三(san)階梯的過渡區域(yu)，地(di)(di)處中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)三(san)大特(te)(te)有(you)現(xian)象(xiang)(xiang)中(zhong)(zhong)心之一(yi)的“川東—鄂西特(te)(te)有(you)現(xian)象(xiang)(xiang)中(zhong)(zhong)心”的核心地(di)(di)帶，位于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)亞(ya)熱帶地(di)(di)區生物(wu)(wu)多(duo)(duo)樣性較(jiao)為豐(feng)富的華中(zhong)(zhong)地(di)(di)區，自然環境獨特(te)(te)，地(di)(di)貌(mao)類型多(duo)(duo)樣，野生動植物(wu)(wu)資源十分豐(feng)富，被《中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)生物(wu)(wu)多(duo)(duo)樣性保(bao)(bao)護(hu)行動計劃》和《中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)生物(wu)(wu)多(duo)(duo)樣性國(guo)情(qing)研究報(bao)告》列(lie)為中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)優先保(bao)(bao)護(hu)領(ling)域(yu)和具(ju)有(you)全球(qiu)意義(yi)的生物(wu)(wu)多(duo)(duo)樣性關(guan)鍵地(di)(di)區。
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