The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has launched a new project to protect wild wolves.  

This is the first time China has issued guidelines to protect such animals.

Last year, a large amount of livestock was killed by wolves in some regions of Xinjiang, raising concern among local farmers. Experts believe the wolves' food chain has been disrupted and has pushed the animals to kill sheep and cattle.

Research into the area's wolf packs will be conducted over the next two years. Experts hope to discover the number of wolves left in the wild and find out more about their natural habitat.

(CRI April 13, 2005)