China endeavors to boost wildlife protection(2)

INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN

The government has also joined in international campaigns to combat the illicit trade of animal products, including ivory and rhino horns, SFA said.

In January 2013, China worked with 22 Asian and African countries to crack down on cross-border and intercontinental wildlife smuggling.

Through an operation codenamed "Cobra," massive amounts of animal products were confiscated and more than 100 criminal suspects were arrested.

"The operation showed the country's resolution and capability to boost multilateral cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking," said Yin Hong,deputy director of SFA.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

After decades of declines, China's endangered species have reversed their fortunes and steadily increased in number over the last 10 years.

Some extremely endangered species are no longer in danger of extinction, according to SFA.

The number of giant pandas living in the wild dropped from 2,000 in the 1970s to 1,114 in the 1980s. However, a survey conducted from 1999 to 2003 showed that the number had rebounded to 1,596.

The number of rare crested ibises has risen from only seven in 1981 to more than 1,700 now, thanks to protection and artificial breeding efforts.

However, there is still an urgent need to raise public awareness regarding wildlife protection, SFA said.

People in some parts of China maintain the centuries-old tradition of eating exotic wildlife as a delicacy. Some rare species also are used in traditional medicine.

Yin said that SFA will join hands with local authorities,non-government organizations and celebrities to teach the public about the importance of protecting wildlife.

"Public participation is of great importance in protecting wildlife and making the cause sustainable," Yin said.