Abstract: To grasp the species composition, endangerment status, and geographical distribution characteristics of national key protected wild plants in the Shennongjia Forestry District, providing a scientific basis for biodiversity conservation in this region. Based on the 2021 updated List of National Key Protected Wild Plants, an analysis of the national key protected wild plants in the Shennongjia Forestry District was conducted by integrating literature reviews, herbarium specimen data, and field verification. Geographic comparative analysis was employed to compare the floristic characteristics with those of other typical mountainous areas in Central China. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between the 1999 and 2021 editions of the protection list was performed to reveal dynamic changes. The results showed that, the Shennongjia Forestry District hosted 90 species (including infraspecific taxa) of national key protected wild plants, belonging to 56 genera and 35 families. Compared to the 1999 list, the total number of protected species increased by 291%, with newly added species primarily consisting of herbaceous and non-zonal plants from families such as Orchidaceae and Melanthiaceae. The flora included 1 endemic family, 9 endemic genera, and 69 endemic species to China. Orchidaceae and the genus Paris were the most species-rich family and genus, respectively. A total of 57 species were threatened (comprising CR, EN, and VU categories), accounting for 63.3% of the total. Species were predominantly distributed in mid-altitude zones between 1 000 and 1 800 m, and the floristic composition was mainly characterized by temperate elements. Geographic comparative analysis showed that Shennongjia shared a similar temperate nature with the Funiu Mountains, but its proportion of endemic genera was 2.6 to 3.5 times higher than that of other regional mountains of the same type. This indicated a high degree of coupling between "strong temperate affinity" and "extreme endemism". The Shennongjia Forestry District harbored rich resources of national key protected wild plants with high endemism and a significant degree of endangerment, the updates to its protection list had shifted from merely expanding species numbers towards emphasizing the protection of ecosystem integrity. Geographic comparisons further confirmed that the region possessed the only intact vertical ecosystem in Central China, characterized by both pronounced temperate attributes and extreme endemism, making it a crucial mountainous refuge for relict plants in East Asia. Targeted measures were recommended to enhance species monitoring, holistic habitat conservation, and population restoration efforts in this area.

Key words: Shennongjia Forestry District, national key protected wild plants, diversity, floristic characteristics, conservation strategies