After taking lectures and short-time practicals in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), the participants of the “The Ecology of Climate Change in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics” visited the Yuanjiang Hot-Dry Valley National Nature Reserve from July 1-4. Principal investigator of Biodiversity Research Group and Dr. Alice Hughes were leading teachers for the field studies. 

On July 1, the 32 trainees and teachers visited Yuanjiang Hot Dry Valley Ecological Station of XTBG. On the following day, they visited mountain evergreen broad-leafed forest at Yangchajie, a place 42km away and NW of Yuanjiang County 

 Afterwards, the trainees were directed to develop and carry out their own independent research projects on July 3-4. The steep climatic gradients in Yunnan make this the ideal place for the study of climatic change ecology. The four independent research projects were: 1) Changes in color formation patterns and sunlight absorption ability of butterfly wings along altitudinal gradients; 2) Invasive plant diversity along altitudinal gradients; 3) Changes of foraging insects of Asteraceae plant species in flowering periods along altitudinal gradients; 4) Leaf functional trait variations of dominant plant species along altitudinal gradients. 

From July 5 -13, the trainees are to collect and analyze data, write reports, and present their independent research projects.  

The training course is going on well. The participants will gain new insights into the ecology of climate change.  

Taking a boat to Yuanjiang Hot Dry Valley Ecological Station of XTBG 

Observation tools of Yuanjiang station 

Kyle W.Tomlinson  introducing savana vegetation 

Trainees recording data 

Group photo of teachers, trainees, and staff of Yuanjiang Aaministration of National Nature Reserve