China announced Thursday a list of 22 new nature reserves under state protection, bringing the total number of such reserves nationwide to 265, covering 9.6 percent of the country's land territory.

In a statement, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) said that the 22 new reserves are located in 17 provinces and autonomous regions and fall into the categories of forest, wetland, desert ecosystem, wild animals and remains of ancient organisms.

"The nature reserves are unique, representative and typical of the biodiveristy of China," said the statement.

For instance, the Wulushan nature reserve in northern Shanxi Province is home to an endangered species of pheasant, while the fresh water dolphin nature reserve in Tongling City of eastern Anhui Province covers the section of the Yangtze River mostly frequented by the endangered white-flag dolphins.

SEPA asked localities to strictly protect these reserves, banning any tourist activities and construction projects both in the core and buffer zones of the reserves.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)