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Tree preserve founded
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TIBET Autonomous Region has established a park to protect 1,000 ancient cypresses, one of which is said to be 2,500 years old, in Nyingchi Prefecture.
The cypresses, growing on a hillside over 3,000 metres above sea level, belong to a species unique to Tibet. They are under State protection. The average height and diametre of the trees are 30 metres and one metre respectively.
The biggest of the cypresses is nearly 50 metres in height and 5.8 metres in diameter. The species is the tallest of its kind in the country.
"It has been growing for at least 2,500 years," experts said.
In 1982, local people created a protection zone for the cypresses, which are called by local residents "Sacred Trees".
The provincial government of Guangdong donated some 3.6 million yuan (about US$450,000) to help found the park.
Nyingchi is located on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, geographically lower than nearby areas, and having a mild and moist climate, making it an ideal habitat for the trees.
(Xinhua)
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