BEIJING - A photo exhibition showcasing Tibet's biodiversity kicked off a national tour on Friday, aiming to boost people's sense of responsibility for protecting nature.

A visitor looks at photos during an exhibition showcasing Tibet's biodiversity in Beijing, May 25, 2012.[Photo/Xinhua]

The show, which includes 120 photos of animals, plants and natural environments taken in the southeastern part of Tibet, is the result of three field surveys that lasted a total of 62 days in 2010 and 2011.

These surveys were jointly conducted by Biodiversity Image Survey to Tibet (TBIS), the only image survey group in Tibet, and the Beijing-based Imaging Biodiversity Expedition Institute.

During the surveys, a team of professional biological photographers and wildlife protection workers captured images of more than 850 kinds of wildlife inhabiting the Tsangpo Gorge. They also completed anthropological surveys among 10 local villages.

The gorge area, where the climate ranges from tropical to arctic, has a unique ecosystem that has barely been explored or affected by human activity.

According to Luo Hao, head of the TBIS, new wildlife species and subspecies were found during the surveys. Rare photos include those of Zorotypus medoensis, a rarely seen insect, Asiatic wildcats and red gorals.

"In a time of picture reading, the show will let more people directly see the biodiversity in Tibet," said Luo. "We hope that more children will come and understand the beauty of nature, and thus raise nature protection awareness among the next generation."

The show will open in Beijing before making stops in Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shanghai and Chengdu.