Shanghai's first wildlife reserve, named Nanhui Dontan, was
officially opened on September 25th. From this point on, anyone in
violation of the provisions of this reserve, for example, hunting
or trapping wildlife, will have his catch and any unlawful income
confiscated and may face fines.
Nanhui Dongtan is located between the East China Sea and the
South of Hangzhou Bay. With a total area of 122.5 square
kilometers, it occupies 17.8 percent of Nanhui District. Not only
does the reserve contain rich wetland resources, but it is also a
vital stop for the southward migration of birds from the north.
According to monitoring by relevant departments, over 190
different species of wild birds have been recorded in the reserve.
This includes the white crane and Little Stints, found in Shanghai
for the first time. The number of other waterfowl, including the
Chinese egret and sanderling accounts for over one percent of the
total waterfowl in the world. Additionally, the distribution of the
reptiles and amphibians, including the China toad and several
species of snakes has reached the highest level in Shanghai.
Cai Youming, the vice director of Shanghai Landscape and
Forestry, stated that the nature reserve has been a key protection
measure for wildlife. Inside the framework, the hunting and
catching of wildlife and other activities that are harmful to the
living and breeding of wildlife shall be prohibited.
(China.org.cn by Zhang Nina September 26, 2007)
