Wildlife protector reaches for the sky

Targeting poachers and patrolling nature reserve ensure safety of migratory birds

Fu Jianguo seems quite busy in the spring when flocks of migratory birds return from the south to the Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. However, he asked for a three-day leave to accept a prize awarded by the China Wildlife Conservation Association for his work on protecting rare wild birds.

"Although it was not my first time to get such an award, it is still a great encouragement for me to stick to my way," said Fu, 57, head of a wildlife protection association in Lindian county, Heilongjiang.