China and the diversity of its animal species

China is the third largest country in the world. Its biodiversity is among the greatest in countries of the world. It is estimated that China's animal species account for about one-tenth to one-eighth of the world's total. Data from well-known groups of animals support this estimate. For example, the birds of China now number 1191 species, about one-eighth of world's total; the mammals of China include 533 species, also about one-eighth of world's total.

China also has rare and endemic species such as the giant panda, golden monkey, white-lipped deer, takin, Chinese river dolphin and Chinese alligator. The endemic species of China is of world significance. 

The Fauna of China series are essential references to these information.