Authorities to boost wild bird protection
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Photo taken on Jan 13 shows swans poisoned to death in the Dongting Lake. [China Daily] |
According Zhang, the local team will continue to patrol around the lake, especially in the open areas.
"We will mete out stricter punishment to prevent the tragedies from happening again," said Zhang.
Xu Yaping, an animal protection activist who took part in the patrol, said that swans are usually poisoned to be sold to restaurants.
"These swans were probably killed for the same reason," said Xu.
A swan could cost several hundred yuan in restaurants.
"This was not the first case found here," said Xu. "But this time was definitely the most serious one."
Xu said that in addition to government efforts, the public should participate in the campaign to protect these birds.
"These species are crucial in stabilizing the ecosystem in the biological chain. Protecting them means a lot to the future of human beings," he said.
Similar tragedies happened in the Beidagang Natural Reserve of Tianjin two months ago, where at least 20 Oriental white storks were found dead and 13 more poisoned in wetland tainted by highly toxic pesticide.
Two suspects were detained on Nov 30.
Hua Ning, a project manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said that the public still lacks awareness of protecting wildlife, especially when they are driven by economic interests.
"What the government should do is reduce the conflict between people and nature," Hua said.
According to Hua, there are inevitable conflicts between animals and human beings. It has been previously reported that migratory birds have eaten up crops near Dongting Lake.
The government should take the responsibility to reconcile the conflict and subsidize the farmers, said Hua.
"By taking responsibility, the government would better guide the public in animal protection," Hua added.
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