七姊(zi)妹山自(zi)然(ran)保護區地(di)處(chu)武陵山余脈(mo)，位于湖北(bei)省恩施土家(jia)族(zu)苗族(zu)自(zi)治州宣恩縣(xian)(xian)的(de)東部，其東與(yu)(yu)鶴(he)峰縣(xian)(xian)交界，南與(yu)(yu)湖南省桑植(zhi)縣(xian)(xian)毗連，北(bei)與(yu)(yu)恩施市(shi)相鄰。區內自(zi)然(ran)環(huan)境獨特(te)，地(di)貌類型(xing)多(duo)樣(yang)，珍稀(xi)野生(sheng)(sheng)動植(zhi)物資源豐富(fu)，屬(shu)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)三大特(te)有現(xian)象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)之一的(de)“川東-鄂(e)西特(te)有現(xian)象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)”的(de)核(he)心(xin)地(di)帶，區內自(zi)然(ran)環(huan)境獨特(te)，地(di)貌類型(xing)多(duo)樣(yang)，生(sheng)(sheng)物多(duo)樣(yang)性(xing)十分豐富(fu)，被《中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)物多(duo)樣(yang)性(xing)保護行動計劃(hua)》和(he)(he)《中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)物多(duo)樣(yang)性(xing)國(guo)情研究(jiu)報告》列為中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)優(you)先保護領域和(he)(he)具有全球意義的(de)生(sheng)(sheng)物多(duo)樣(yang)性(xing)關鍵地(di)區。
七姊妹(mei)山國家級自然(ran)保護區的建立，有利于對原始珙(gong)桐純林(lin)群落、泥炭蘚森林(lin)沼澤(ze)濕(shi)地(di)以及華南(nan)虎(hu)等(deng)大型(xing)貓科動(dong)物棲息地(di)的保護。
湖北(bei)(bei)七姊妹山國家級自然保護(hu)區總面積34550公(gong)(gong)頃，其中核心區面積11560公(gong)(gong)頃，緩沖區面積11700公(gong)(gong)頃，實驗區面積11290公(gong)(gong)頃。保護(hu)區位于湖北(bei)(bei)省宣(xuan)恩縣境內，范圍在東經109°38′30″—109°47′00″，北(bei)(bei)緯29°39′30″—30°05′15″之間。
東自椿(chun)木營鄉張家灣主(zhu)峰起(qi)，向(xiang)(xiang)南(nan)經(jing)小窩盔主(zhu)峰、穿孔子、李老四(si)灣山(shan)梁，至(zhi)木營村河西山(shan)脊，再轉(zhuan)向(xiang)(xiang)東3公(gong)里至(zhi)宣恩(en)縣(xian)與(yu)(yu)鶴(he)峰縣(xian)的縣(xian)界，再沿縣(xian)界南(nan)下至(zhi)湘鄂兩(liang)省(sheng)(sheng)省(sheng)(sheng)界，經(jing)省(sheng)(sheng)界與(yu)(yu)湖南(nan)八(ba)大公(gong)山(shan)國家級自然保護區交界，沿省(sheng)(sheng)界南(nan)下至(zhi)海拔(ba)1418.2米的土地(di)埡，向(xiang)(xiang)西經(jing)風車口、桂竹(zhu)梁，至(zhi)沙道溝(gou)鎮(zhen)紅旗坪村蘭(lan)花洞北面1185米主(zhu)峰。
西界(jie)為(wei)向(xiang)東(dong)(dong)北(bei)經(jing)廟灣(wan)、埡楠坪、茶樹堡、顧家(jia)(jia)埡，至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)火燒坪，再(zai)(zai)向(xiang)北(bei)經(jing)大觀山、楊(yang)家(jia)(jia)河、核(he)桃灣(wan)、周(zhou)家(jia)(jia)壩(ba)、文家(jia)(jia)臺、茶園(yuan)北(bei)山、五架山、大坪山、蘆(lu)家(jia)(jia)界(jie)，越過后龍山和大峰尖，至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)保(bao)護區(qu)北(bei)面長潭(tan)河鄉(xiang)貓子(zi)莊村(cun)的(de)杉樹堡；北(bei)界(jie)為(wei)向(xiang)東(dong)(dong)經(jing)木(mu)(mu)林溪至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)宣恩縣與(yu)恩施市(shi)的(de)交界(jie)處，再(zai)(zai)由(you)縣界(jie)向(xiang)東(dong)(dong)南經(jing)樺桿坪西，至(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)保(bao)護區(qu)東(dong)(dong)北(bei)椿(chun)木(mu)(mu)營鄉(xiang)張家(jia)(jia)灣(wan)海拔1938米的(de)主峰止。
七(qi)姊妹山(shan)(shan)是宣恩縣的第(di)一高(gao)山(shan)(shan)，屬武陵山(shan)(shan)脈，距(ju)宣恩縣城約40km，總面積(ji)150km2。因七(qi)峰依次排(pai)列似傳說中的七(qi)仙女而得名，其高(gao)烽火燒(shao)堡2014.5m，低處巴山(shan)(shan)坪1230m，相(xiang)對海拔(ba)734.5m。七(qi)姊妹相(xiang)傍相(xiang)依，在(zai)霧海霞光(guang)中時隱時現(xian)，好(hao)似七(qi)仙女踏(ta)著云簇(cu)一面俯瞰一面嬉(xi)笑。七(qi)姊妹山(shan)(shan)，群(qun)峰崢(zheng)嶸，怪石頻矗，溪(xi)溝(gou)縱(zong)橫交錯，有常流溪(xi)溝(gou)8條，瀑布4處。
保護區(qu)總(zong)面(mian)積(ji)34550hm2，轄(xia)區(qu)內(nei)高海拔為2014.5m，低(di)海拔650m。保護區(qu)地(di)(di)處長江(jiang)(jiang)中(zhong)(zhong)游第二支(zhi)流(liu)清江(jiang)(jiang)的上游和洞庭湖沅江(jiang)(jiang)一(yi)級支(zhi)流(liu)酉水發源地(di)(di)的交匯處，此保護區(qu)處于中(zhong)(zhong)國地(di)(di)勢(shi)第二節體(ti)(ti)向第三節體(ti)(ti)的過(guo)度區(qu)域，是中(zhong)(zhong)國中(zhong)(zhong)亞熱帶向北亞熱帶的過(guo)度地(di)(di)區(qu)，同時也屬中(zhong)(zhong)國三大特(te)有現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)(xin)之一(yi)的“川東-鄂西特(te)有現象中(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)(xin)”的核心(xin)(xin)地(di)(di)帶，區(qu)內(nei)自(zi)然環境(jing)獨(du)特(te)，地(di)(di)貌(mao)類型多(duo)樣，生物多(duo)樣性十分豐富。
隨海(hai)拔高程的變(bian)化，呈明(ming)顯的垂直差(cha)異海(hai)拔800米(mi)以(yi)下(xia)的低山(shan)帶，四季分(fen)明(ming)，冬暖夏(xia)熱，雨熱同步，光溫(wen)互(hu)補(bu)，年(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)15.8℃，無霜(shuang)(shuang)期294天，年(nian)(nian)降(jiang)水量1491.3毫(hao)米(mi)，年(nian)(nian)日照時數(shu)1136.2小時。海(hai)拔800—1200米(mi)的二高山(shan)地帶，春遲秋早(zao)，濕潤多(duo)雨，光溫(wen)不足，年(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)13.7℃，無霜(shuang)(shuang)期263天，年(nian)(nian)降(jiang)水量1635.3毫(hao)米(mi)，年(nian)(nian)日照時數(shu)1212.4小時。海(hai)拔1200米(mi)以(yi)上的高山(shan)地帶，氣候冷涼，冬長夏(xia)短(duan)，易澇少(shao)旱，年(nian)(nian)均(jun)氣溫(wen)8.9℃，無霜(shuang)(shuang)203天，年(nian)(nian)降(jiang)水量1867毫(hao)米(mi)，年(nian)(nian)日照時數(shu)1519.9小時。
動物資源富有，珍稀(xi)植物繁多。綠裝素裹的(de)(de)小(xiao)七秭妹山(shan)(shan)，挺(ting)拔(ba)俊秀的(de)(de)大(da)七姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)，凌空突(tu)兀的(de)(de)剪刀夾峰(feng)，金獅迎客(ke)的(de)(de)石(shi)(shi)柱峰(feng)，千(qian)姿(zi)百態，樹海茫(mang)茫(mang)，流泉蜿(wan)蜒，飛瀑騰空，大(da)小(xiao)景觀(guan)(guan)點數以百計，將整(zheng)個七姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)系繪成了一(yi)幅壯麗的(de)(de)畫面。區內植物垂直(zhi)帶(dai)譜(pu)完整(zheng)、植被保持完好，水量充沛，山(shan)(shan)體、孤峰(feng)、怪石(shi)(shi)造型奇特(te)，大(da)小(xiao)瀑布多姿(zi)多彩(cai)，是原始森林觀(guan)(guan)光探險(xian)旅游的(de)(de)勝(sheng)地。
七(qi)姊妹山(shan)屬(shu)(shu)(shu)原始(shi)森林(lin)。有(you)(you)維管(guan)束植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)144科(ke)、428屬(shu)(shu)(shu)、892種。其中木本植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)90科(ke)、208屬(shu)(shu)(shu)、603種。以殼(ke)斗(dou)科(ke)、樟(zhang)科(ke)、薔(qiang)薇(wei)科(ke)、杜鵑(juan)科(ke)、山(shan)茶科(ke)、山(shan)礬(fan)科(ke)、七(qi)葉樹科(ke)、珙(gong)桐科(ke)為主(zhu)。珍(zhen)貴植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)中，屬(shu)(shu)(shu)國(guo)家(jia)一(yi)(yi)級(ji)保護的一(yi)(yi)種，二級(ji)保護的6種，三級(ji)保護的10種，湖(hu)北特(te)有(you)(you)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)30種。國(guo)家(jia)一(yi)(yi)級(ji)重點保護的珙(gong)桐，分布面(mian)積(ji)達一(yi)(yi)萬余畝(mu)，其中集中分布面(mian)積(ji)3499畝(mu)。珙(gong)桐，是(shi)世界著名孑遺植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)和觀(guan)賞植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)，每逢春夏之交(jiao)，正是(shi)珙(gong)桐的開(kai)花時(shi)節，滿(man)山(shan)遍野的花朵，好似成群的白鴿棲息在枝頭，所以，珙(gong)桐俗稱鴿子樹。山(shan)中有(you)(you)野生動(dong)物(wu)(wu)146種，其中獸(shou)類(lei)(lei)45種，鳥類(lei)(lei)64種，爬(pa)行類(lei)(lei)19種，兩棲類(lei)(lei)18種。屬(shu)(shu)(shu)國(guo)家(jia)保護的珍(zhen)稀(xi)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)，有(you)(you)白冠(guan)長尾雉、紅腹錦雞(ji)、大鯢（娃娃魚）、水獺、大靈貓、小靈貓、獐、林(lin)麝、蘇門羚等。還(huan)有(you)(you)實用價值較高的果子貍、穿山(shan)甲(jia)、狗獾(huan)、黑熊、黃麂等。
七姊妹山(shan)，藥用植物分布面積(ji)較廣。較為突出的有(you)(you)天麻、黃連、芍(shao)藥、黨(dang)參、竹節人參、扣(kou)子七、算盤(pan)七、黃精(jing)、絞股蘭等。野(ye)生花草種類繁多，有(you)(you)觀賞價值的約100余(yu)種，如杜鵑花就有(you)(you)18種，珙(gong)桐花漫(man)山(shan)遍野(ye)，蘭草、木蘭、吊(diao)鐘(zhong)花、紫(zi)薇、紫(zi)莖、野(ye)百合，處處可見。
七(qi)姊妹山自(zi)然保(bao)護(hu)區蕨類(lei)植物(wu)(wu)區系(xi)地(di)理(li)及資源開發研(yan)(yan)究運(yun)用植物(wu)(wu)區系(xi)地(di)理(li)分(fen)析(xi)(xi)方法對七(qi)姊妹山自(zi)然保(bao)護(hu)區的(de)(de)(de)蕨類(lei)植物(wu)(wu)區系(xi)特征(zheng)進行研(yan)(yan)究。科(ke)的(de)(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區系(xi)分(fen)析(xi)(xi)表明，熱(re)帶、亞熱(re)帶成(cheng)分(fen)高(gao)達58.3%，占(zhan)主導地(di)位(wei)。屬的(de)(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區系(xi)分(fen)析(xi)(xi)也(ye)表明了(le)類(lei)似的(de)(de)(de)趨勢。種的(de)(de)(de)地(di)理(li)區系(xi)分(fen)析(xi)(xi)表明，除了(le)熱(re)帶、亞熱(re)帶成(cheng)分(fen)占(zhan)有(you)較高(gao)比(bi)例(li)外，溫帶分(fen)布的(de)(de)(de)種也(ye)具有(you)較高(gao)的(de)(de)(de)比(bi)例(li)，占(zhan)非(fei)世界廣布種的(de)(de)(de)31.2%。特別是世界溫帶分(fen)布的(de)(de)(de)種占(zhan)較高(gao)比(bi)例(li)，達24.2%，這反(fan)映(ying)了(le)溫帶成(cheng)分(fen)的(de)(de)(de)重要地(di)位(wei)。
七姊妹(mei)山(shan)蕨類(lei)(lei)植(zhi)物資源豐富，可區分為藥用(yong)、觀賞、食用(yong)、指示類(lei)(lei)植(zhi)物等(deng)(deng)幾大類(lei)(lei)。各(ge)種蕨類(lei)(lei)植(zhi)物資源顯示了(le)(le)廣闊(kuo)的利用(yong)前(qian)景。七姊妹(mei)山(shan)食用(yong)蕨類(lei)(lei)植(zhi)物的大特(te)色是“富硒(xi)”除了(le)(le)抗氧化等(deng)(deng)生理與營養作用(yong)外，還抗鉛、汞(gong)、鎘、鉈、銀等(deng)(deng)重金(jin)屬毒害元素。
1988年9月13日，新華社播發(fa)新聞通稿，華中師范大(da)學在(zai)對恩(en)施州宣恩(en)縣七姊妹山地(di)區進行科學考察時(shi)，驚喜地(di)發(fa)現(xian)大(da)面積(ji)原始珙桐群落！
珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)是遠古侏羅紀第三紀冰川活動遺留下來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)孑遺植物(wu)，一度被(bei)世界生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)學(xue)(xue)界列入“消亡(wang)”名單(dan)。瀕(bin)臨消亡(wang)的(de)(de)(de)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)大(da)(da)(da)面積現身鄂西(xi)南！這帶給生(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)學(xue)(xue)界的(de)(de)(de)震撼不亞于一枚重磅炸彈的(de)(de)(de)爆炸，學(xue)(xue)界的(de)(de)(de)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)者們(men)立刻行動起來(lai)了，自1989年開(kai)(kai)始，華中師(shi)范大(da)(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)、湖(hu)(hu)北大(da)(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)、湖(hu)(hu)南師(shi)范大(da)(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)、北京(jing)林業(ye)大(da)(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)、中科(ke)院武漢植物(wu)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)所、湖(hu)(hu)北民族(zu)學(xue)(xue)院等科(ke)研(yan)(yan)(yan)單(dan)位和大(da)(da)(da)專院校的(de)(de)(de)專家(jia)教授，多次組織科(ke)研(yan)(yan)(yan)隊伍進入恩施州宣(xuan)恩縣七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)，開(kai)(kai)始了揭開(kai)(kai)七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)神秘面紗(sha)的(de)(de)(de)探索之旅，發(fa)表(biao)了《鄂西(xi)七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群落研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》、《宣(xuan)恩七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群落種(zhong)間聯結分析(xi)》、《湖(hu)(hu)北七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)種(zhong)間結構研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》和《珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群落中珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)種(zhong)群與主要(yao)共生(sheng)(sheng)樹木種(zhong)群間聯結關系(xi)的(de)(de)(de)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》、《七(qi)(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)自然(ran)保護(hu)區珍稀植物(wu)資源研(yan)(yan)(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)》等一系(xi)列科(ke)技論文。
同時，學界的(de)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究目光(guang)也鎖定了整個七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)，各(ge)科研(yan)(yan)(yan)機構、大(da)專院(yuan)校相(xiang)繼在七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)開展了珍稀瀕(bin)(bin)危植(zhi)物及土著物種的(de)調(diao)查(cha)、鳥類調(diao)查(cha)、珍稀瀕(bin)(bin)危物種監測項(xiang)目、亞高山(shan)泥炭(tan)蘚沼澤濕(shi)地(di)資(zi)(zi)源的(de)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究等(deng)專題(ti)研(yan)(yan)(yan)究。對大(da)面積的(de)原始珙桐純林、頻(pin)繁出(chu)現的(de)大(da)型(xing)貓科動物蹤(zong)跡、豐富的(de)林麝資(zi)(zi)源和蘭科植(zhi)物資(zi)(zi)源等(deng)進行研(yan)(yan)(yan)究。一時間，宣恩(en)七(qi)姊妹(mei)(mei)山(shan)成(cheng)了國內外生物學界關(guan)注的(de)焦點之一。
珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)是中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)特有(you)(you)的(de)(de)第(di)三紀(ji)古熱帶(dai)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)系(xi)孑遺植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)，國(guo)家一級(ji)重(zhong)點保(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)。目(mu)前珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)主要間斷分(fen)(fen)布于中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)山(shan)地，并多(duo)呈(cheng)零星(xing)分(fen)(fen)布。同時，罕見的(de)(de)原(yuan)始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)純(chun)林及大(da)型(xing)貓(mao)科動(dong)物(wu)(wu)生(sheng)存環境(jing)，都(dou)具有(you)(you)國(guo)際公認的(de)(de)極高(gao)保(bao)護(hu)價值。研究(jiu)者們在(zai)七姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)發現，珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)落分(fen)(fen)布約有(you)(you)500公頃，其中(zhong)(zhong)有(you)(you)200公頃是保(bao)存完好(hao)的(de)(de)原(yuan)始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)落，并且這片(pian)原(yuan)始(shi)珙(gong)桐(tong)(tong)群(qun)落五級(ji)立木(mu)齊(qi)全(quan)，種(zhong)源充足，自然更新能(neng)力強(qiang)，無人(ren)為干擾，構成了穩定的(de)(de)森林生(sheng)態(tai)系(xi)統。更加讓人(ren)驚喜的(de)(de)是，七姊(zi)妹(mei)山(shan)及其周邊地區(qu)(qu)(qu)，曾經是華南虎、金錢豹(bao)、云豹(bao)等大(da)型(xing)貓(mao)科動(dong)物(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)集中(zhong)(zhong)分(fen)(fen)布區(qu)(qu)(qu)域。近年來，隨著生(sheng)態(tai)環境(jing)的(de)(de)逐步好(hao)轉，保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)及其周邊發現大(da)型(xing)貓(mao)科動(dong)物(wu)(wu)的(de)(de)活動(dong)蹤跡越來越頻繁。
景區(qu)主要為(wei)喀斯特(te)地(di)貌，山(shan)(shan)體氣勢(shi)宏大，以(yi)七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)為(wei)代表的(de)(de)絕(jue)壁孤峰(feng)卓然秀麗，象形(xing)山(shan)(shan)石眾多(duo)；區(qu)內原(yuan)始(shi)林(lin)、次生(sheng)林(lin)發育，保存良好(hao)；這里海拔高差懸(xuan)殊，地(di)形(xing)復雜(za)，溝谷切(qie)割較深，水量(liang)充沛，形(xing)成了眾多(duo)各(ge)類(lei)型瀑布，驚險(xian)刺(ci)激，蔚為(wei)壯觀；區(qu)內還(huan)有道教(jiao)勝地(di)中武(wu)當(dang)，縣蘇維埃政(zheng)府舊(jiu)(jiu)址，張(zhang)難先(xian)隱居(ju)舊(jiu)(jiu)址，及龍馬山(shan)(shan)、仙人洞等自然與人文景觀。每(mei)逢(feng)春(chun)夏之(zhi)交，珙桐開花(hua)時節，七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)滿(man)山(shan)(shan)遍野的(de)(de)花(hua)朵，好(hao)似(si)成群的(de)(de)白鴿棲息在枝頭。七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)景區(qu)內宜(yi)人的(de)(de)森林(lin)風光，茫茫林(lin)海，峽谷幽深，溪流湍急，群峰(feng)聳峙，是(shi)人們探險(xian)尋勝和避(bi)暑消閑(xian)的(de)(de)勝地(di)。
七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)景區(qu)內七(qi)峰(feng)排列，疑似(si)仙女下(xia)凡，數以百計的(de)大小景點裝(zhuang)飾著整個七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)系。1988年(nian)9月，華(hua)中師范大學在對七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)地區(qu)進行科(ke)(ke)學考察時，發現大面積原始(shi)(shi)珙(gong)桐群(qun)落(luo)。研(yan)究發現，珙(gong)桐群(qun)落(luo)分布(bu)約有(you)500公頃，其中有(you)200公頃是保存完好的(de)原始(shi)(shi)珙(gong)桐群(qun)落(luo)，并(bing)且這片原始(shi)(shi)珙(gong)桐群(qun)落(luo)五級立木齊(qi)全，種源(yuan)充足(zu)，自然更新能力強，無人(ren)為干擾，構成了穩(wen)定的(de)森林生態系統。七(qi)姊(zi)妹山(shan)及其周(zhou)邊地區(qu)，曾經是華(hua)南虎、金錢豹、云(yun)豹等(deng)大型(xing)貓科(ke)(ke)動物的(de)集中分布(bu)區(qu)域。
統計表明：區內分布有國(guo)家珍稀瀕危保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)，其中國(guo)家重點(dian)保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)家Ⅰ級重點(dian)保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)有銀杏(xing)、紅(hong)豆杉、南方紅(hong)豆杉、鐘(zhong)萼木、莼菜、珙(gong)(gong)桐、光(guang)葉(xie)珙(gong)(gong)桐共7種(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)家Ⅱ級重點(dian)保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)，重點(dian)保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)總(zong)數(shu)占湖北省國(guo)家重點(dian)保(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)總(zong)數(shu)46種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)60.9%。
保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區內(nei)分布有國家重(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)動物(wu)共(gong)56種(zhong)，其(qi)中Ⅰ級重(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)動物(wu)有豹(bao)、云豹(bao)、金雕、林麝(she)等5種(zhong)，Ⅱ級重(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)動物(wu)51種(zhong)。近年來，隨著生態(tai)環境的逐步(bu)好(hao)轉，保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區及其(qi)周邊發現大型(xing)貓科動物(wu)的活動蹤(zong)跡越來越頻繁。
七(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)中(zhong)的(de)(de)大面(mian)積珙(gong)桐群(qun)落帶(dai)給世人的(de)(de)驚(jing)喜還沒消退(tui)，自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區的(de)(de)建立(li)就提上了(le)政(zheng)(zheng)府(fu)(fu)工作議程。1990年，宣恩縣(xian)(xian)政(zheng)(zheng)府(fu)(fu)批(pi)準(zhun)(zhun)成立(li)了(le)七(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)縣(xian)(xian)級(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區，下設七(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)縣(xian)(xian)級(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區管理站。2002年，湖北(bei)省政(zheng)(zheng)府(fu)(fu)批(pi)準(zhun)(zhun)成立(li)湖北(bei)七(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)省級(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區。2008年3月，喜訊傳來，該自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區又再升一級(ji)(ji)，成為(wei)(wei)國(guo)家級(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區。至此，七(qi)姊(zi)(zi)妹山(shan)(shan)國(guo)家級(ji)(ji)自(zi)(zi)(zi)(zi)然(ran)(ran)(ran)(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區總面(mian)積達34550公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)(qing)(qing)，其(qi)中(zhong)核心區11560公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)(qing)(qing)，緩沖區11700公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)(qing)(qing)，實驗區11290公(gong)(gong)頃(qing)(qing)(qing)。其(qi)主(zhu)(zhu)要(yao)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)對象有四種，即(ji)典型(xing)的(de)(de)中(zhong)亞熱(re)帶(dai)山(shan)(shan)地常(chang)綠闊葉林生(sheng)態系(xi)統(tong)、以珙(gong)桐為(wei)(wei)主(zhu)(zhu)的(de)(de)珍稀瀕危植物及(ji)其(qi)群(qun)落、以大型(xing)貓科動物為(wei)(wei)主(zhu)(zhu)的(de)(de)珍稀瀕危動物及(ji)其(qi)棲息環境，以及(ji)保(bao)存完好的(de)(de)亞高(gao)山(shan)(shan)泥炭蘚沼澤濕地。
七(qi)姊妹山(shan)(shan)自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)是(shi)(shi)華(hua)中(zhong)地(di)(di)區(qu)名副其(qi)實(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)生物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)基因(yin)庫(ku)，具有(you)(you)(you)極高的(de)(de)(de)(de)科研和(he)學術價值。首先(xian)是(shi)(shi)其(qi)原生性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)和(he)典型性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)正處于(yu)(yu)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)地(di)(di)勢第二階梯向第三階梯的(de)(de)(de)(de)過渡地(di)(di)帶(dai)，又(you)剛好位于(yu)(yu)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)自(zi)然(ran)地(di)(di)理(li)(li)區(qu)劃的(de)(de)(de)(de)北亞熱帶(dai)與中(zhong)亞熱帶(dai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)過渡帶(dai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)武(wu)陵山(shan)(shan)區(qu)，在地(di)(di)理(li)(li)上具有(you)(you)(you)典型性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)和(he)代表性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)。其(qi)次是(shi)(shi)生物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)處于(yu)(yu)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)中(zhong)亞熱帶(dai)季風潤(run)濕氣(qi)候帶(dai)，未受到第四紀冰川的(de)(de)(de)(de)洗劫，現保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)存(cun)有(you)(you)(you)5個(ge)植(zhi)被型組，9個(ge)植(zhi)被型，30個(ge)原始(shi)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)群系(xi)。再次是(shi)(shi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)古(gu)老和(he)珍稀瀕危性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)。保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)是(shi)(shi)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)第三紀植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)系(xi)重(zhong)要保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)存(cun)地(di)(di)區(qu)之一，集中(zhong)分布了(le)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)特有(you)(you)(you)屬共32屬，這(zhe)些特有(you)(you)(you)屬中(zhong)，有(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)(de)為(wei)單種(zhong)(zhong)屬，有(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)(de)為(wei)原始(shi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)多心皮類，有(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)(de)在其(qi)他地(di)(di)區(qu)已成為(wei)化石(shi)，這(zhe)些特性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)均反(fan)映(ying)了(le)該區(qu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)區(qu)系(xi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)古(gu)老性(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)(xing)。統計表明(ming)：區(qu)內分布有(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)珍稀瀕危保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)41種(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)28種(zhong)(zhong)，國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)(you)銀杏(xing)、紅(hong)豆杉(shan)、南方紅(hong)豆杉(shan)、鐘萼木、莼(chun)菜、珙(gong)桐、光(guang)葉珙(gong)桐共7種(zhong)(zhong)；國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)，重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)總數占(zhan)湖(hu)北省國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)植(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)總數46種(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)60.9%。保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)內分布有(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)共56種(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)(you)豹、云豹、金(jin)雕、林麝等5種(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)點(dian)(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)51種(zhong)(zhong)。
18個年頭，七姊妹山自(zi)(zi)然保(bao)護區躍升(sheng)兩級(ji)(ji)，由“縣級(ji)(ji)”搖身成了“國(guo)家級(ji)(ji)”，從而成了公(gong)認的(de)(de)“國(guo)寶”。這一過程，無(wu)不顯示著(zhu)該自(zi)(zi)然保(bao)護區在中國(guo)范圍內生(sheng)(sheng)態保(bao)護、科學研究等(deng)方(fang)面的(de)(de)重(zhong)要(yao)性。經過生(sheng)(sheng)物學界專(zhuan)家們(men)研究得出的(de)(de)結論(lun)顯示：加強對七姊妹山自(zi)(zi)然保(bao)護區內原始珙桐群(qun)落的(de)(de)保(bao)護，對研究原始珙桐群(qun)落的(de)(de)自(zi)(zi)然更新和(he)演替(ti)、華中地(di)區古(gu)地(di)質年代和(he)古(gu)氣候演變有(you)著(zhu)極為重(zhong)要(yao)的(de)(de)保(bao)護價(jia)值(zhi)。
七姊妹山自(zi)然(ran)保護區處于(yu)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)地(di)(di)勢第(di)(di)二(er)階梯向(xiang)第(di)(di)三階梯的(de)(de)過渡(du)區域，地(di)(di)處中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)三大特(te)有(you)現象中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)(xin)之一的(de)(de)“川東(dong)—鄂西特(te)有(you)現象中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)心(xin)(xin)”的(de)(de)核心(xin)(xin)地(di)(di)帶，位于(yu)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)亞熱(re)帶地(di)(di)區生(sheng)物(wu)(wu)多樣性(xing)較為豐(feng)富的(de)(de)華中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)地(di)(di)區，自(zi)然(ran)環境獨特(te)，地(di)(di)貌類(lei)型多樣，野生(sheng)動(dong)植物(wu)(wu)資源十(shi)分(fen)豐(feng)富，被《中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)生(sheng)物(wu)(wu)多樣性(xing)保護行(xing)動(dong)計(ji)劃》和《中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)生(sheng)物(wu)(wu)多樣性(xing)國(guo)(guo)情(qing)研究報告(gao)》列(lie)為中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)優先保護領域和具有(you)全球意義的(de)(de)生(sheng)物(wu)(wu)多樣性(xing)關鍵地(di)(di)區。
我心明亮 
