1982年,經湖南省(sheng)人民政府批準建立八大公山(shan)自然保護區。
1986年,經國(guo)務(wu)院批準(zhun)為中國(guo)首批“國(guo)家(jia)級(ji)自然保(bao)護區”。
1990年(nian),經張家界(jie)(jie)市人民政(zheng)府批準成立“湖南八大公(gong)山國家級自然保(bao)護區管(guan)理處”。下設一室四科六站(zhan)兩所(suo),即(ji)辦公(gong)室、財務(wu)科、資源保(bao)護科、公(gong)安消防(fang)科、社區共管(guan)科、杉木界(jie)(jie)管(guan)理站(zhan)、斗篷山管(guan)理站(zhan)、天平山管(guan)理站(zhan)、楠木坪檢查站(zhan)、病蟲害(hai)防(fang)治(zhi)檢疫(yi)站(zhan)、天平山原始森林接待站(zhan)、科研所(suo)和派(pai)出所(suo)。
八大公山國家級自然保護區位于湖南省桑植縣的(de)(de)北(bei)部邊陲,地處云貴高(gao)原古陸塊(kuai)東(dong)北(bei)邊緣的(de)(de)武陵山脈的(de)(de)北(bei)端,地理坐(zuo)標為(wei)東(dong)經109°41'45"-110°09'50",北(bei)緯29°39 '18"—29°49'48"。
保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)露出地(di)層(ceng)主要(yao)為(wei)古生代的寒(han)武(wu)紀、志留紀、泥(ni)盆(pen)紀和(he)(he)二迭紀的地(di)層(ceng),基巖(yan)(yan)主要(yao)為(wei)石(shi)灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)、板巖(yan)(yan)和(he)(he)頁巖(yan)(yan)。土壤(rang)類(lei)型(xing)主要(yao)有山(shan)地(di)黃棕(zong)(zong)壤(rang)、石(shi)灰(hui)(hui)土和(he)(he)山(shan)地(di)沼(zhao)澤土。其中山(shan)地(di)黃棕(zong)(zong)壤(rang)成土母巖(yan)(yan)主要(yao)是(shi)板頁巖(yan)(yan)、細砂巖(yan)(yan)、粉砂巖(yan)(yan);石(shi)灰(hui)(hui)土成土母巖(yan)(yan)主要(yao)是(shi)深灰(hui)(hui)色灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)、泥(ni)質(zhi)(zhi)灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)、豹皮狀(zhuang)和(he)(he)泥(ni)質(zhi)(zhi)條帶灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)、瘤狀(zhuang)灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)、白云質(zhi)(zhi)灰(hui)(hui)巖(yan)(yan)等(deng)。海拔1000米(mi)以(yi)(yi)上為(wei)山(shan)地(di)黃棕(zong)(zong)壤(rang),是(shi)自然(ran)保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)分布面(mian)積廣(guang)泛的土壤(rang)類(lei)型(xing)。海拔1000米(mi)以(yi)(yi)下為(wei)山(shan)地(di)黃壤(rang),土壤(rang)深厚(hou)、肥沃,但缺磷,呈酸性,pH值5~6之間。
保護區屬于亞熱帶山地濕潤季風(feng)氣候。年平(ping)均氣溫(wen)為(wei)攝(she)(she)氏(shi)(shi)11.5℃;最(zui)冷月(yue)(yue)(1月(yue)(yue))平(ping)均氣溫(wen)攝(she)(she)氏(shi)(shi)0.1℃, 最(zui)熱月(yue)(yue)(7月(yue)(yue))平(ping)均氣溫(wen)為(wei)攝(she)(she)氏(shi)(shi)22.8℃,極端最(zui)低溫(wen)度在攝(she)(she)氏(shi)(shi)-10℃~-15℃。無霜(shuang)期190天左右;全年積溫(wen)攝(she)(she)氏(shi)(shi)3621.6℃。其積溫(wen)、最(zui)冷月(yue)(yue)氣溫(wen)和極端最(zui)低溫(wen)等氣象因子具有(you)北亞熱帶向(xiang)暖溫(wen)帶過(guo)渡的氣候特色。
年平均降水量(liang)(liang)為2105.4毫(hao)米,最(zui)高達2840.1毫(hao)米,雨日(ri)176天,海拔每升高100米,平均增加(jia)水量(liang)(liang)79.3毫(hao)米。是(shi)湖南三大暴雨中心(xin)之(zhi)一,年蒸發量(liang)(liang)400毫(hao)米左右(you),為年降水量(liang)(liang)的20%,按(an)技(ji)術(shu)規(gui)程(cheng)計算,全(quan)年流出(chu)的水量(liang)(liang)約4.5億(yi)立方米。全(quan)年相(xiang)對濕度在90%以上,屬(shu)于(yu)濕潤地區。全(quan)年霧日(ri)數(shu)達145天,年輻射量(liang)(liang)較低(di)。
八(ba)大公山(shan)(shan)(shan)西(xi)(xi)北有鄂(e)西(xi)(xi)山(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di),再往北有秦巴山(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di)層(ceng)迭屏障,西(xi)(xi)南(nan)為黔東高原,東南(nan)有武陵、雪峰山(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di)相間突起,東端則(ze)向洞庭湖(hu)區(qu)逐漸降低,處于(yu)一個半輻合狀(zhuang)的群(qun)山(shan)(shan)(shan)之間。偏南(nan)濕潤空氣易進入滯留,凝云(yun)致雨的機(ji)會較(jiao)多(duo),使區(qu)內動(dong)植(zhi)物在(zai)生境上具有得天獨(du)厚的條件和優(you)越的地(di)理背(bei)景。
八(ba)大(da)(da)公山國家(jia)級自然保護(hu)區東西(xi)長(chang)45千(qian)米(mi),南(nan)(nan)北寬16千(qian)米(mi)。東與(yu)桑植縣的龍潭(tan)坪(ping)鎮接(jie)壤,南(nan)(nan)與(yu)芭茅(mao)溪鄉(xiang)、五道水(shui)鎮、八(ba)大(da)(da)公山鄉(xiang)毗(pi)鄰,西(xi)與(yu)湖南(nan)(nan)省龍山縣相(xiang)連,北與(yu)湖北省宣恩、來(lai)鳳、鶴峰毗(pi)鄰。總(zong)面(mian)積(ji)2萬公頃。
八大(da)公(gong)(gong)(gong)山國家級自然保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)屬(shu)于森(sen)林(lin)生(sheng)態(tai)(tai)類型自然保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu),是(shi)以保(bao)(bao)護(hu)亞(ya)熱(re)帶(dai)常綠落葉闊葉林(lin)和野(ye)生(sheng)動物為主的(de)森(sen)林(lin)生(sheng)態(tai)(tai)系統類型自然保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu) 八大(da)公(gong)(gong)(gong)山保(bao)(bao)護(hu)區(qu)管轄(xia)的(de)重點生(sheng)態(tai)(tai)公(gong)(gong)(gong)益林(lin)有(you)23468公(gong)(gong)(gong)頃,分(fen)天平山、杉木(mu)(mu)界、斗篷山三大(da)林(lin)區(qu),木(mu)(mu)材蓄積(ji)量(liang)為110萬(wan)立方米,森(sen)林(lin)覆蓋率(lv)達93.4%,是(shi)亞(ya)熱(re)帶(dai)地區(qu)保(bao)(bao)存完整、面(mian)積(ji)大(da)的(de)天然常綠闊葉林(lin),并具有(you)獨特的(de)亞(ya)熱(re)帶(dai)山地森(sen)林(lin)生(sheng)態(tai)(tai)系統特點。
八大(da)公山國(guo)(guo)家級(ji)自然保護(hu)區(qu)區(qu)內植物(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類豐富,據調查統計,有(you)(you)高等(deng)植物(wu)(wu)216科2408種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。其(qi)中(zhong),屬(shu)(shu)國(guo)(guo)家Ⅰ級(ji)保護(hu)野(ye)生植物(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)珙(gong)桐、光葉珙(gong)桐、南方紅豆(dou)杉、紅豆(dou)杉、鐘(zhong)萼(e)木(mu)、銀杏(xing)等(deng)6種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);屬(shu)(shu)國(guo)(guo)家Ⅱ級(ji)保護(hu)植物(wu)(wu)29種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);瀕危植物(wu)(wu)2種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);漸危植物(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);稀(xi)有(you)(you)植物(wu)(wu)16種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);模(mo)式標本產(chan)地(di)物(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)5種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。上述(shu)屬(shu)(shu)科植物(wu)(wu)中(zhong),有(you)(you)藥用植物(wu)(wu)1000余種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),其(qi)中(zhong),有(you)(you)被譽為(wei)“四大(da)藥王(wang)”的(de)烏金七(qi)(qi)、金盤七(qi)(qi),還有(you)(you)竹(zhu)節人參、天(tian)麻、黃蓮、七(qi)(qi)葉一枝(zhi)花等(deng)一大(da)批珍貴藥材。還是(shi)桑(sang)植椴、桑(sang)植吊(diao)石(shi)巨苔(tai)、桑(sang)植大(da)節竹(zhu)、修葉啼蓋蕨、邊生鱗毛蕨等(deng)5種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)植物(wu)(wu)新種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)模(mo)式標本產(chan)地(di)。
八大公山(shan)屬于(yu)泛(fan)北(bei)(bei)極植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu),中(zhong)(zhong)國—日本森林(lin)(lin)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)華中(zhong)(zhong)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)組成(cheng)以(yi)熱(re)帶(dai)亞洲植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系、北(bei)(bei)溫帶(dai)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系、東(dong)南亞植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系,以(yi)及東(dong)亞——北(bei)(bei)美植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系為主要(yao)成(cheng)分(fen)。植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)不僅具(ju)有(you)北(bei)(bei)亞熱(re)帶(dai)的(de)典(dian)型(xing)(xing)特點,而且,還明(ming)(ming)(ming)顯反映出亞熱(re)帶(dai)向暖(nuan)溫帶(dai)過(guo)渡的(de)特征。是東(dong)亞兩大植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系重要(yao)交(jiao)匯區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)域,具(ju)有(you)極為重要(yao)的(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)地(di)理學研(yan)究價(jia)值。分(fen)布有(you)中(zhong)(zhong)國種(zhong)子植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)屬15個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)地(di)理分(fen)布類型(xing)(xing)中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)14個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge),含5個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)型(xing)(xing)組、9個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)型(xing)(xing)、13個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)亞型(xing)(xing)、19個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)群(qun)(qun)(qun)(qun)系組,26個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)群(qun)(qun)(qun)(qun)系、36個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)群(qun)(qun)(qun)(qun)叢 。由于(yu)地(di)形復雜 ,山(shan)勢高差大,生態環境在(zai)空間形成(cheng)多個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)梯(ti)度,植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)具(ju)有(you)明(ming)(ming)(ming)顯的(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)分(fen)布帶(dai)。通(tong)過(guo)30塊標準地(di)27325平方米(mi)(mi)樣地(di)調(diao)查(cha)結果(guo)表明(ming)(ming)(ming):基帶(dai)典(dian)型(xing)(xing)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)被(bei)(bei)屬于(yu)中(zhong)(zhong)亞熱(re)帶(dai)山(shan)地(di)常綠(lv)闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)林(lin)(lin);海(hai)拔(ba)1000米(mi)(mi)以(yi)上則為常綠(lv)、落(luo)葉(xie)(xie)闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)混交(jiao)林(lin)(lin);山(shan)脊部為山(shan)頂矮(ai)(ai)林(lin)(lin)、喬木樹(shu)種(zhong)普遍(bian)矮(ai)(ai)化。據樣地(di)調(diao)查(cha),其主要(yao)類型(xing)(xing)有(you):以(yi)鐵杉(shan)(shan)屬為主的(de)針闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)混交(jiao)林(lin)(lin)(海(hai)拔(ba)1500米(mi)(mi)左右);以(yi)原生型(xing)(xing)杉(shan)(shan)木林(lin)(lin)為主的(de)暖(nuan)性針葉(xie)(xie)林(lin)(lin)(海(hai)拔(ba)1220米(mi)(mi));以(yi)亮(liang)葉(xie)(xie)水青(qing)岡林(lin)(lin)為主的(de)落(luo)葉(xie)(xie)闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)林(lin)(lin)(海(hai)拔(ba)1400-1890米(mi)(mi));常綠(lv)、落(luo)葉(xie)(xie)闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)林(lin)(lin)(海(hai)拔(ba)1000-1400米(mi)(mi)左右)如:地(di)錦槭(多脈青(qing)岡是這個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)地(di)帶(dai)的(de)頂極群(qun)(qun)(qun)(qun)落(luo)的(de)主要(yao)群(qun)(qun)(qun)(qun)種(zhong));常綠(lv)闊(kuo)葉(xie)(xie)林(lin)(lin)(1000米(mi)(mi)以(yi)下)。
八(ba)大公山(shan)國家級(ji)自然保護區有(you)陸地脊椎(zhui)動物21目(mu)(mu)(mu)64科(ke)(ke)(ke)237種(zhong)(zhong),其中獸(shou)類8目(mu)(mu)(mu)20科(ke)(ke)(ke)45種(zhong)(zhong)、鳥類9目(mu)(mu)(mu)27科(ke)(ke)(ke)135種(zhong)(zhong)(留(liu)鳥97種(zhong)(zhong)、夏候(hou)鳥20種(zhong)(zhong)、冬候(hou)鳥18種(zhong)(zhong))、爬行(xing)類2目(mu)(mu)(mu)10科(ke)(ke)(ke)39種(zhong)(zhong)(毒蛇3種(zhong)(zhong))、兩棲(qi)類2目(mu)(mu)(mu)7科(ke)(ke)(ke)18種(zhong)(zhong);有(you)昆(kun)蟲(chong)(chong)22目(mu)(mu)(mu)177科(ke)(ke)(ke)4175種(zhong)(zhong)(其中新種(zhong)(zhong)34個(ge)、天敵(di)昆(kun)蟲(chong)(chong)12目(mu)(mu)(mu)58科(ke)(ke)(ke)411種(zhong)(zhong))。
區內有國家重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)和珍貴瀕危(wei)動物15目28科86種(zhong)(zhong),屬國家一級保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)的有金(jin)(jin)錢(qian)豹、云豹、林麝、白冠長尾雉、金(jin)(jin)雕等(deng)(deng)5種(zhong)(zhong),二級保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)的有獼(mi)猴、毛冠鹿、蘇門羚(ling)、水鹿、大(da)鯢、紅腹(fu)角雉等(deng)(deng)51種(zhong)(zhong),省(sheng)重點(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)的20種(zhong)(zhong)、八大(da)公山保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區特有種(zhong)(zhong)12種(zhong)(zhong)。1991年聯(lian)合(he)國野生(sheng)動物基金(jin)(jin)會專(zhuan)家從糞便(bian)、足跡上判(pan)斷(duan),認定保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區內有華南(nan)虎(hu)。
1990年(nian),自然(ran)保(bao)護(hu)區管(guan)理處(chu)成立后,不(bu)僅物(wu)種種群(qun)穩(wen)(wen)定(ding),自然(ran)演(yan)替(ti)和更(geng)新狀(zhuang)態良(liang)好(hao),且生(sheng)物(wu)多樣(yang)性程度明顯(xian)提高。這充分說(shuo)明了(le)建(jian)立保(bao)護(hu)區并開展保(bao)護(hu)管(guan)理之后,實現了(le)由“荒山到(dao)植(zhi)被恢復”和“不(bu)穩(wen)(wen)定(ding)生(sheng)境類型”向“穩(wen)(wen)定(ding)性生(sheng)境類型”轉(zhuan)變(bian)的(de)過程,從而(er)提高了(le)生(sheng)物(wu)物(wu)種生(sheng)境質量,維(wei)持了(le)整個森(sen)林(lin)生(sheng)態系統的(de)良(liang)性循環。
管理處(chu)成(cheng)立(li)以來(lai),先(xian)后實施了(le)八大公(gong)(gong)(gong)山自然保護(hu)區一、二期(qi)基本(ben)建設(she)工程。共完成(cheng)固定資產投資1046萬元,修(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)建3個(ge)管理站(zhan),1棟辦公(gong)(gong)(gong)樓和1棟接待(dai)站(zhan),房屋建筑面積達6700㎡;架(jia)設(she)輸電線路(lu)(lu)60公(gong)(gong)(gong)里(li)(li)(li);修(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)筑林(lin)區公(gong)(gong)(gong)路(lu)(lu)50公(gong)(gong)(gong)里(li)(li)(li);購置車(che)輛、對講機、滅火(huo)器具等巡護(hu)和防火(huo)設(she)備;修(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)建防火(huo)線路(lu)(lu)80公(gong)(gong)(gong)里(li)(li)(li),護(hu)林(lin)便道85公(gong)(gong)(gong)里(li)(li)(li);改造低壓線路(lu)(lu)56公(gong)(gong)(gong)里(li)(li)(li);修(xiu)(xiu)(xiu)建防火(huo)了(le)望臺4座;埋設(she)保護(hu)區界(jie)樁、界(jie)牌187個(ge)。
八大公(gong)山自然(ran)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護區管理處成立以(yi)來(lai),物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)名錄(lu)所記載的物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)比1981年調查時(shi)增(zeng)加(jia)了2320種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),其中(zhong)(zhong)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)子植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)593種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),脊椎動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)166種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),昆蟲668種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),蕨類植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)507種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、真菌(jun)386種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。在(zai)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)名錄(lu)更新(xin)方面,植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)新(xin)增(zeng)加(jia)湖南新(xin)記錄(lu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)59種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong);昆蟲發現新(xin)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)62種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),發現新(xin)屬1,新(xin)增(zeng)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)新(xin)記錄(lu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)33種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),真菌(jun)新(xin)增(zeng)湖南省新(xin)記錄(lu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)38種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。已基本弄清了八大公(gong)山國(guo)(guo)家(jia)自然(ran)保(bao)(bao)(bao)護區國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點保(bao)(bao)(bao)護物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)共有153種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。其中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點保(bao)(bao)(bao)護植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)99種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),國(guo)(guo)家(jia)重點保(bao)(bao)(bao)護動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)54種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。國(guo)(guo)家(jia)一級保(bao)(bao)(bao)護動(dong)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)分別為5種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
實(shi)施(shi)林(lin)(lin)業持續(xu)發展(zhan)、公益林(lin)(lin)保(bao)(bao)護、標本(ben)制(zhi)作(zuo)等(deng)項(xiang)目。林(lin)(lin)業持續(xu)項(xiang)目不僅為自(zi)然(ran)保(bao)(bao)護區(qu)(qu)提(ti)供(gong)了(le)(le)大量(liang)資金支援,還在培養專業人才、提(ti)高保(bao)(bao)護區(qu)(qu)保(bao)(bao)護管理能(neng)力和(he)改善(shan)社區(qu)(qu)關(guan)系方(fang)面產生(sheng)了(le)(le)積極影響(xiang),對加速(su)保(bao)(bao)護區(qu)(qu)的(de)建設進程有(you)著十分重(zhong)要的(de)現實(shi)和(he)歷(li)史意義。公益林(lin)(lin)保(bao)(bao)護項(xiang)目實(shi)施(shi)后,林(lin)(lin)區(qu)(qu)林(lin)(lin)農收入得到(dao)增(zeng)加,森林(lin)(lin)得到(dao)有(you)效保(bao)(bao)護,生(sheng)態環境明顯改善(shan)。標本(ben)制(zhi)作(zuo)項(xiang)目的(de)實(shi)施(shi),進一步提(ti)高我(wo)區(qu)(qu)標本(ben)制(zhi)作(zuo)水平和(he)科(ke)研能(neng)力,為我(wo)區(qu)(qu)今后科(ke)研監(jian)測工作(zuo)奠定了(le)(le)堅實(shi)的(de)基礎。
建(jian)區(qu)之初(chu),保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)邊(bian)界糾紛不斷,亂采濫(lan)挖,亂捕濫(lan)獵,亂砍(kan)濫(lan)伐現象十分嚴(yan)重(zhong)。管理處借助林業持續(xu)發展,大力開(kai)展社區(qu)項目活動,使周邊(bian)社區(qu)的(de)居民在獲取一定利益的(de)同時(shi),接(jie)受到了生物多樣性保(bao)護(hu)(hu)知識的(de)教育。通過廣(guang)泛宣(xuan)傳,還得到了縣(xian)委縣(xian)政府對保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)建(jian)設(she)工作(zuo)的(de)極大支持和重(zhong)視。2007年,建(jian)立(li)了保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)網(wang)站(zhan),為擴大知名(ming)度,宣(xuan)傳保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)發揮(hui)了重(zhong)要作(zuo)用。
八大(da)峰高聳(song),層(ceng)巒疊(die)嶂,幽谷深澈,海(hai)拔千米以上的(de)高峰多達351座(zuo),最高海(hai)拔1890.4米,最低海(hai)拔395米,相對高差之大(da),足(zu)見(jian)山體之雄偉。從山腳向上眺望(wang),一(yi)座(zuo)座(zuo)山峰高聳(song)云端,參差迭宕,如(ru)黛似煙(yan)。漫步林(lin)中,鬼斧神(shen)鑿(zao)的(de)“一(yi)線天”和“獅(shi)子巖”、造型(xing)逼(bi)真的(de)“棋(qi)盤(pan)巖”等叫人凝神(shen)駐足(zu),流(liu)連忘返(fan)。區內群(qun)山起伏,奇(qi)(qi)峰突(tu)起,40多條山脈縱橫(heng)交錯,599座(zuo)山峰星羅(luo)棋(qi)布,山體切割強烈,神(shen)奇(qi)(qi)的(de)造山運動使有(you)的(de)山頭尖如(ru)利刃,有(you)的(de)彎如(ru)牛角(jiao),有(you)的(de)直如(ru)筆(bi)桿,有(you)的(de)形如(ru)牛鞭。還有(you)地下溶洞的(de)巖景雄偉壯觀,擬人擬物,形態(tai)逼(bi)真,天工巧奪,鬼斧神(shen)工令(ling)人稱奇(qi)(qi)。
八大(da)公(gong)山自(zi)然保護區是(shi)澧水(shui)(shui)、婁水(shui)(shui)和以(yi)及湖(hu)北(bei)清(qing)江水(shui)(shui)系(xi)的發源地,區內(nei)溪溝縱橫,有(you)大(da)小溪溝352條,多樣(yang)的地形地貌使區內(nei)水(shui)(shui)域景(jing)觀豐富(fu)多姿(zi)。瀑(pu)(pu)布是(shi)八大(da)公(gong)山一道亮麗的風景(jing)線,情人瀑(pu)(pu)、彩虹(hong)瀑(pu)(pu)、烏(wu)龍瀑(pu)(pu)等(deng)521個瀑(pu)(pu)布點綴在萬綠叢中,使八大(da)公(gong)山迷(mi)人的景(jing)色更是(shi)增輝添彩。
八大公(gong)山(shan)保(bao)護區(qu)人文(wen)旅(lv)游資源,主要分(fen)(fen)布在(zai)土家族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)、白族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)、苗(miao)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)、回(hui)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)、壯族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)等(deng)少數民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)聚居(ju)區(qu)內。此區(qu)域(yu)內的(de)各民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)原住民(min)和睦相處,耕耘勞(lao)作,在(zai)長(chang)期(qi)的(de)生息繁衍中形成(cheng)了(le)各自獨具特色的(de)生活方式(shi)和民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)風情,至今還(huan)保(bao)留了(le)一部分(fen)(fen)傳統文(wen)化(hua)和民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)風情,如哭嫁、跳(tiao)喪(sang)舞(wu)、擺手舞(wu)、對(dui)山(shan)歌、三(san)棒鼓(gu)、月辦(ban)節(jie)、打溜子、九節(jie)鞭(bian),還(huan)有(you)以(yi)吊腳(jiao)樓為(wei)典型代表的(de)民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)建筑(zhu),這(zhe)些足以(yi)構成(cheng)一部嶄(zhan)新的(de)民(min)族(zu)(zu)(zu)(zu)風情寶典。大革命(ming)時期(qi),這(zhe)里曾(ceng)是老一輩(bei)(bei)無產(chan)階級革命(ming)家賀龍、肖克、王震、廖漢生、賀錦齋等(deng)革命(ming)先輩(bei)(bei)浴血(xue)奮(fen)戰(zhan)的(de)地方。賀龍元帥兩把菜刀鬧革命(ming),毛(mao)埡城堡,江(jiang)西坎(kan)剿匪等(deng)紀(ji)念地舊址(zhi)尚存(cun)。
八(ba)大(da)公山保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)被(bei)(bei)國(guo)(guo)(guo)內外專(zhuan)家(jia)學者(zhe)譽為(wei)(wei)“天然博物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)館(guan)”和“物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)基(ji)因庫”,是(shi)目前亞(ya)熱帶(dai)地(di)(di)區(qu)保存完(wan)整、面積大(da)常綠落葉(xie)闊葉(xie)混交(jiao)林(lin)原生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)性(xing)(xing)(xing)林(lin)區(qu)之一(yi)(yi)(yi)。區(qu)內有(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)153種(zhong),其(qi)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)一(yi)(yi)(yi)、二級保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)珙桐、鐘萼木等(deng)23種(zhong),有(you)(you)(you)特有(you)(you)(you)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)10種(zhong)30科(ke),朱蘭、石蔸蘭等(deng)45種(zhong)被(bei)(bei)列(lie)(lie)入《瀕(bin)危野生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)動(dong)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)際貿易公約》,是(shi)桑植(zhi)(zhi)椴、桑植(zhi)(zhi)大(da)節竹等(deng)7種(zhong)植(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)新種(zhong)的(de)模(mo)式標本(ben)產地(di)(di);有(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)一(yi)(yi)(yi)、二級保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)云豹(bao)、黑熊等(deng)40余種(zhong),有(you)(you)(you)動(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)特有(you)(you)(you)種(zhong)尾突角蟾、桑植(zhi)(zhi)角蟾、桑植(zhi)(zhi)蛙(wa)、華西(xi)雨(yu)蛙(wa)武陵(ling)亞(ya)種(zhong)等(deng)12種(zhong)。八(ba)大(da)公山保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)區(qu)1993年被(bei)(bei)納入“中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)人與生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)圈網絡”;被(bei)(bei)《中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)行動(dong)計劃》列(lie)(lie)為(wei)(wei)中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)優先保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)態系(xi)(xi)統(tong)名錄;由聯合國(guo)(guo)(guo)環境規劃署資助(zhu)完(wan)成(cheng)的(de)《中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)國(guo)(guo)(guo)情研(yan)究報告》將其(qi)列(lie)(lie)為(wei)(wei)我(wo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)具有(you)(you)(you)全球(qiu)意(yi)義(yi)的(de)17個生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)關鍵地(di)(di)區(qu)之一(yi)(yi)(yi);被(bei)(bei)世界自(zi)然基(ji)金會(hui)列(lie)(lie)為(wei)(wei)全球(qiu)200個重(zhong)要生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)態地(di)(di)區(qu)之一(yi)(yi)(yi);在《中(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)現狀及其(qi)保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)對(dui)策(ce)》中(zhong)列(lie)(lie)為(wei)(wei)“具有(you)(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)際意(yi)義(yi)的(de)陸地(di)(di)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)關鍵地(di)(di)區(qu)”;是(shi)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)級科(ke)技攻關課題(ti)“我(wo)國(guo)(guo)(guo)亞(ya)熱帶(dai)森(sen)林(lin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)態系(xi)(xi)統(tong)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)多樣(yang)(yang)性(xing)(xing)(xing)保護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)技術研(yan)究”基(ji)地(di)(di);還是(shi)芬蘭赫爾(er)辛基(ji)大(da)學的(de)教(jiao)學實習基(ji)地(di)(di)和全球(qiu)環境基(ji)金贈款實施的(de)“林(lin)業持續發展項目”區(qu)之一(yi)(yi)(yi)。
1986年經國務院批準為(wei)我國首批“國家(jia)級(ji)自然(ran)保護區”,也是湖南省(sheng)第一個(ge)(ge)、張家(jia)界市一個(ge)(ge)國家(jia)級(ji)自然(ran)保護區。保護區的建立,對研究亞熱帶森(sen)林發生發展規律和保護珍(zhen)稀瀕危動植物(wu)具重要的科(ke)學價值(zhi)。