The Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China has decided to enhance protection for 13 species who prey on grassland mice. 

Sources from the regional forestry bureau said that the red fox, Tibetan fox, steppe polecat, eagle vulpes corsac (also a fox species), Chinese desert cat and other predators, all natural enemies of grassland mice that were previously listed under second-class protection, have now been given Tibet's highest level of protection.

As one of China's five major pastoral regions, Tibet has suffered serious economic losses from grassland rodents. In northern Tibet, the number of mice has increased to 1.1 billion, which are eating grass capable of feeding 15 million to 20 million head of sheep for a whole year, according to information from the regional bureau of animal husbandry.

Grassland mice are also able to spread diseases to domestic livestock, said the bureau.

Preying on eagles, foxes, snakes and wild feline species has destroyed a balance of ecology in nature and the lack of natural enemies has led to the fast propagation of mice on grassland, said wildlife experts with the regional forestry bureau.

Placing mouse poison can sometimes put lives of human beings and those of livestock at risk, said the experts, who called the latest move a wise step.

"The move will not produce immediate effects, but in the long run it will play a positive role in controlling grassland mice and protecting wildlife in the plateau region," said the experts. 

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2004)