The police in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, have apprehended four individuals suspected of operating an illegal bird poaching and trading network. The arrests in Guangzhou's Zengcheng District follow an investigation into the illegal poaching of protected avian species across the region's forests and wetlands.
According to local authorities, the suspects operated under the cover of darkness, utilizing specialized tools including mist nets, electronic bird callers, and traps to capture wild birds during nocturnal and twilight hours. The captured birds have since been transferred to forestry departments for rehabilitation, with plans to release them back into the wild once they are fit to survive.
The Guangzhou police have reaffirmed their "zero tolerance" stance against wildlife crime, emphasizing that protecting these birds is synonymous with safeguarding our shared environment.
This case also highlights a persistent challenge for conservation personnel in Guangdong: the accidental or intentional capturing of species that are mistaken for "ordinary, unprotected" wild birds by the local people. To better protect these feathered friends, it is essential to recognize the species that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Here are five common birds in Guangdong that are strictly protected by law:
1. Chinese Hwamei (melodious laughingthrush) (画眉)
Recognizable by the distinctive white rings around its eyes that extend backward like elegant eyebrows, and known for its enchanting and varied song, Chinese Hwamei is a National Class II Protected Species in China. Please note: hunting, trading, or even keeping them in cages is a criminal offense.
2. White-breasted waterhen (白面水鸡)
A wetland dweller is often found in rice fields. It has a striking appearance with a black crown and a stark white face and belly. This species belongs to one of the animals that are "beneficial or of important economic or scientific value", and any form of hunting targeting it is strictly prohibited.
3. Oriental turtle dove (斑鸠)
Commonly mistaken for an ordinary pigeon, this bird is easily identified by the "pearl collar" of black and white spots on the side of its neck. As a protected species, it helps maintain ecological balance by spreading plant seeds.
4. Swinhoe's snipe (沙锥)
A small, plump wading bird with a long, sharp beak. Its mottled brown plumage provides perfect camouflage in wetland environments. These migratory birds are protected by law to ensure their safe passage across borders.
5. Black-crowned night heron (夜游鹤)
A nocturnal hunter often seen near water at dusk. It features distinct red eyes and long white plumes on the back of its head. This species plays a key role in the aquatic food chain and is protected by law.
Author | Dong Han
Photo | Nanfang Plus
