A research team from the Yangtze River Economic Belt Ecological Environment National Engineering Research Center under China Three Gorges Corporation has rediscovered critically endangered Adiantum reniforme var. sinense during field surveys in Wanzhou and Shizhu districts of Chongqing. This marks the second wild population discovery since April 2023 and represents the largest known habitat of this species to date.

Endemic to the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Adiantum reniforme var. sinense thrives in thin soil layers on sandstone or limestone cliffs along the reservoir banks, requiring strict humidity, ventilation, and light conditions. With a narrow distribution range and limited individuals vulnerable to human activities, it is classified as a National Grade I Protected Wild Plant and rated as "Critically Endangered" (CR) by the IUCN.

The latest survey identified three wild populations totaling over 100 plants across remote cliffs and damp valleys in Wanzhou’s Xinxiang, Wuling, and Yanshan towns. Researchers observed independently growing juvenile individuals at multiple sites, likely propagated via natural spore reproduction.

The findings provide updated distribution data for conservation strategies. Future studies will analyze population structure and habitat adaptation mechanisms to develop integrated in-situ and ex-situ protection plans, ensuring long-term species recovery.