To better protect China's natural biodiversity, wildlife authorities are stepping up efforts to protect endangered species and crack down on the illegal trafficking of wild animals.

"No deal, no kill".That's the slogan, but in some parts of China exotic wildlife is viewed as a delicacy and has been for centuries.

Some rare species are also used in traditional medicine.

Professor Xie leads the Wildlife Conservation Society in the research of wildlife habitats and the drafting of legislation to combat cruelty to animals. Over the last few decades, China has been working toward building a legal framework to improve wildlife protection.

China is cracking down on the trafficking and illegal trade in endangered wild animals. After decades of being in decline, their numbers have witnessed a steady increase over the last 10 years. But experts say law enforcement remains relatively weak.

Last month, a large number of smuggled bear paws were seized by authorities. It underscored the need for heightened efforts in the fight against illegal animal trading.

A total of 213 bear paws were found in a van in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the largest cache ever smuggled into China.

In 1988, China's Law on the Protection of Wildlife went into effect, laying down basic rules for the conservation of rare and endangered species, as well as the protection of wildlife to safeguard the ecological balance.

But experts say the top priority now is to protect the natural habitat of wild animals.

"We need to protect the habitat, they are last homes for wild animals, so far there are only regulations, we need to update the law." said Professor Xie.

China is rich in natural wildlife. More than 6,500 vertebrate species, or about 10 percent of the world's total, are found in China, according to the State Forestry Administration.

Over 470 land-based vertebrates are native only to China, including the giant panda, golden monkey, South China tiger and Chinese alligator.

What were once considered highly endangered species are no longer in danger of extinction because of the government's protection efforts.

Besides legal protection, public awareness and participation is essential to the protection of China's wildlife and making the cause sustainable.

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