Warning signals flash for endangered birds

Efforts intensified

In 2018, the government in Yunnan became the first provincial administration in the country to pass regulations on protecting biodiversity. As of that year, Yunnan has invested more than 11 million yuan in protecting the green peafowl, implementing monitoring systems and providing water and food sources for the birds.

From 2016 to last year, the Yunnan forestry department intensified efforts to protect the green peafowl and its habitat. It also conducted regular surveillance patrols in the birds' habitats, cracking down on illegal hunting and trade in the species.

In Xinping county－a major habitat for the species－the head of the local forestry department has led a green peafowl protection group since 2018. In the past three years, more than 6,000 leaflets and over 40,000 brochures on safeguarding the species have been distributed to residents.

In 2018, the county launched a long-term surveillance project, organizing a 25-strong patrol team. Three green peafowl observation stations have been built and 106 infrared surveillance cameras installed in the forest.

Moreover, thanks to the participation of the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology, an NGO promoting environmental protection in China, and the Birds Observation Association in Yuxi city, more locals have been encouraged to join efforts to protect the green peafowl.

At Yubaiding Nature Reserve in Eshan county, where the birds are frequently sighted, years of hard work by local residents have resulted in a strong affection for the species.

Shi Yongjin, a forest ranger at the reserve, said: "Public education has significantly improved people's awareness of the need to protect this endangered beautiful bird. My 1-year-old granddaughter could imitate the cry of a green peafowl before she could say 'Mama'."

As Yunnan still faces geological challenges in improving residents' lives, boosting the local economy is also important, together with the priority task of wildlife protection.

In recent years, the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology has promoted environmentally friendly hiking in Yuxi and invited more people to take part in work to protect the green peafowl.

Xiao Jin, program director at the society's Southwest China office, said: "We will arrange lectures about some wild species and environmental protection. Visitors will explore nature under the guidance of experts and forest rangers, obtaining a deeper understanding of how humans co-exist with nature."