Predatory banks and insurance companies targeted

Better protection ordered for migratory birds

The State Forestry and Grassland Administration has asked provincial forestry authorities to better protect migratory birds.

Large numbers of birds migrating in autumn and winter are exposed to big risks of poaching, the administration said in a notice released on its website on Oct 8.

Provincial departments of wild animal protection should carry out their duties actively, and the protection of migratory birds should be taken into account when assessing the performance of local leaders, the notice said.

The provincial authorities should organize patrols to remove nets, traps and poisonous baits in the birds' habitats.

They should also strictly punish those who illegally breed, store, ship and trade wild migratory birds and those who sell illegal hunting tools.

They should also promote the idea of protecting migratory birds among residents, so that people who hunt and eat the birds will give up those practices.