Release of animals into the wild threatens ecosystem

Releasing into the wild what they perceive to be captive animals is a Buddhist practice with a long history in China, and one that is now mired in controversy.

Micro-blogger "cora liebo" regularly posts lists of animals "released" in the southwestern province of Yunnan - lists that have made jaws drop all over China.

One such posting in April listed bedbugs among the creatures released, along with 58 kilograms of snakes.