NANNING - Scientists from China and France have discovered a rare huge doline in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the local publicity department said Sunday.

The 420-meter deep doline, or sink hole, was among a number discovered by scientists during an eight-day expedition that began on Feb. 26 in Donglan County. Dolines found in Guangxi are normally around 250 meters deep.

Many species live in these dolines, including bats and snakes. Scientists also found some as-yet unidentified vertebrates and plants.

Dolines are special geological landscape formations found in karst regions, formed by repeated cave-ins of underground caves. They are common in China, Mexico and Papua New Guinea.