Parks set to step up protection of pandas, big cats

China is set to establish a national park system to beef up the protection of giant pandas, Siberian tigers and Amur leopards, according to a decision made by the country's leading group for overall reform.

A pilot program for a national park system will help increase the integrity, connectivity and coordination of the habitats of the three endangered animal species in China, according to a statement released after a meeting of the Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms.

The meeting on Monday, presided over by President Xi Jinping, reviewed and passed two pilot plans for national parks for the three species, the statement said.