中国考虑修改野生动物法

Chinese lawmakers have deliberated on an amended draft law on wildlife protection with a focus on habitat protection.

The draft was submitted for its first reading at the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which opened on Monday. Legislators supported the inclusion of the protection of wildlife habitats during a panel discussion on Saturday. The draft calls for citizens to report encroachment on or damage to wildlife habitats.

Local governments would be required to protect wildlife and their habitats with specific measures. It bans hunting and damaging habitats, and requires authorities to reduce the impact of development.

"If the public won't accept it, then we can not have it. We also need to clarify what animal products are allowed to be used in Traditional Chinese medicine and health supplements. To that end, we need to adhere to related regulations," said Yan Xun, China state Forestry Bureau.