Feathered friends bring good fortune to rural residents

Major habitat

China is one of the world's major avian habitats. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the nation is home to 1,445 bird species－the highest number in any country－accounting for 16.6 percent of the global total.

However, birds face many threats including climate change and loss of habitat resulting from the expansion of human communities and illegal hunting.

The police play a crucial role in the protection of migratory birds.

The Wild Animal Protection Law, enacted in 1988, stipulates that people who catch, kill, sell, purchase or transport wildlife without official permission will face fines or prison sentences.

In addition to the work of forestry police forces, settlements situated along the migration routes or at major spots where birds gather have made their own efforts.

In the central province of Hunan, forestry police check for illegal activity across the province annually, while several counties have signed a convention on bird protection in an effort to prevent illegal hunting.

A similar practice operates in Yunnan. Early in 1995, the residents of Baihualing voluntarily established a biodiversity protection association that now has 154 members, an impressive surge from the 50 founders.

"People have seen their lives become prosperous thanks to the improved environment. Instead of destroying the environment to make money, people are now actively participating in efforts to crack down on illegal hunting and other activities that threaten the environment," said Hou Xingzhong, Party secretary of the association.

According to Yang Ming, deputy secretary-general of the Kunming Bird Association in Yunnan's capital, there are more than 30 migration passages in the province, with tens of thousands of birds using them every day.

Of those, 200 to 300 species are under level two or three State protection.

Yang said that in the 1980s, local farmers lit fires along the major migration routes at night. The thick smoke confused the birds, which flew straight into the hunters' nets.

"Changes have happened over the past 10 years as many bird hunters have become forest rangers or started making their living through green businesses, such as bird-watching and eco-friendly tours or by cultivating herbs that have high financial value," he said.