China is improving the protection of nature reserves by clearly defining their area and severely punishing those who threaten wildlife.

According to a document released on Wednesday by the State Council, China's Cabinet, changes to state-level nature reserves should be exclusively concerned with protection of wildlife, integrity of ecosystem and biodiversity.

Adjustments to nature reserves should be conducted "more than every five years," the document said, adding those responsible for severe damage to nature reserves will face legal liabilities.

It also stressed special protection for high-value nature reserves and stricter conditions for reserve adjustments.

A statement from the Ministry of Environmental Protection said government officials and the public should be fully aware of the great significance of biodiversity preservation and understand that nature reserves are areas where development is forbidden.