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)