Southwestern China's Guizhou identifies 970 species of terrestrial vertebrates

(ECNS) -- Guizhou Province in southwestern China has identified 970 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including 158 species endemic to China, among which 37 are endemic to Guizhou, the provincial forestry bureau said Thursday.

The Guizhou Provincial Regulations on Wildlife Protection took effect Jan. 1, establishing a legal framework for wildlife conservation across the province.

The regulations have five chapters and 44 articles, covering general provisions, protection of wildlife and their habitats, wildlife management, legal liability and supplementary provisions. They include measures tailored to Guizhou's mountainous terrain.

Guizhou has set up a wildlife protection system under which local governments oversee conservation, with forestry departments handling terrestrial wildlife and agriculture departments handling aquatic wildlife. Other agencies and local communities support the effort through public education, patrols and reporting.

Guizhou will next step up efforts against wildlife crimes and encourage public participation in protecting wildlife and biodiversity, the forestry bureau said.

(By Gong Weiwei)