BEIJING -- The Qinling Mountains in China have seen gradual improvements in ecological quality, with steady expansion of forest and wetland coverage, an official report said on Monday.

The blue book published by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said more than 50 percent of key ecological zones are showing signs of recovery, while over 60 percent of the Qinling region has seen improved ecological quality. Areas with enhanced water conservation and soil retention functions account for about 60 percent and 47 percent of the region, respectively.

A natural boundary between China's north and south regions, the Qinling Mountains form a watershed between the basins of the country's two "mother rivers" -- the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.

The range was once subject to serious ecological damage, but has shown marked recovery in recent years following strict remediation and restoration efforts.

Pei Xiaofei, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the report was an assessment of ecological change in the region, aimed at strengthening oversight of conservation and restoration work.

The report also flagged challenges: ecological stability needs to improve further in some areas, instances of environmental damage occur from time to time, and the precision of zoned oversight should be enhanced.

Pei described the report as both a "health check" for the Qinling ecosystem and a "wellness plan" for addressing its problems. Pei said it would guide stronger cross-regional coordination, better balance natural recovery with human intervention, and help promote continued improvements in the mountains' ecology.