Storks’ plight raises larger concerns (2)

Wildlife activist Deng Fei told the Global Times a nationwide volunteer network would help crack down on illegal killing of migratory birds.

"Our volunteers, in spite of their great enthusiasm, usually lack equipment when they arrive at a site to offer help they often have trouble getting in touch with local authorities who are responsible for wildlife protection," Deng said.

At a meeting of the State Forestry Bureau on October 30, Yin Hong, a deputy director, said local authorities need to raise their awareness of protecting migratory birds.

"Local authorities lack thorough knowledge about what kind and how many migratory birds pass their region. Their ability to protect the birds needs to be enhanced," Yin said.

A senior official from a county of Jiangxi Province, who asked his name not to be used, told the Global Times Wednesday that people living along the routes taken by migratory birds have hunted them for a living in the past.

That is now illegal but locals have not been compensated for abandoning their tradition. "They used to rely on hunting and selling birds to supplement their income," he said.

"Although they risk being fined or put in prison, they're still hunting," he added.

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