Chongming County police have arrested an Anhui Province man who allegedly poisoned 137 wild ducks at the county's East Shore Natural Protection Zone, the biggest case since the zone's establishment in 1998.

Police said yesterday they were still investigating whether a trade network was behind the 35-year-old suspect, who alleged it was the first time he had illegally hunted ducks.

Due to the toxins in the ducks, whoever ate them would also be poisoned, officials warned.

An early morning stakeout in the protection zone discovered the poisonings.

"We started the operation last month, at the peak time for migratory birds," said Song Guoxian, dean of the protection zone administrative office.

"Besides, illegal hunters would think we would not go on duty until Monday morning. We kept a lookout all the previous night." Officers were stationed at every entry and exit to the protection zone and at 4:50am on Monday noticed a speeding motorcycle.

"Two sacks hung in the front while three more were at the back," Song said, adding they immediately followed the motorcycle.

While being chased, the rider allegedly sped up and then overturned by the road. Officers discovered the sacks were filled with dead wild ducks. "When we laid the dead ducks on the ground to check them, a hungry dog approached and sucked the liquid from the duck's mouth - it soon fell over," Song said.

"The vet injected an antidote but the dog remained dispirited during the next few days."

In December 2005, a suspect was caught poisoning 67 wild ducks, he added.

Suspects may face years in prison if they kill more than 100 wild creatures.

Niu Dongliang, director of the zone's law enforcement department, said illegal hunting was motivated by money. "Illegal hunters sell the ducks to small restaurants for 50 yuan (US$6.80) each.

If the goods are transported to other cities, they will get 40 yuan to 100 yuan each from the trader, who will sell the ducks to restaurants there for 200 yuan each."

(Shanghai Daily December 9, 2007)