People from Tibet Autonomous Region discovered 53 cases of wildlife poaching and smuggling during a recent anti-poaching and anti-smuggling blitz.
Between November 21 and December 5, acting on government orders, the region launched spot checks on hotels, restaurants, bus and railway stations, the airport and markets.
The move resulted in the seizing of 470 animal skins, 25 kg of animal products, 12 live animals,and one self-made rifle with a total value of 100,000 yuan.
Tibet, in southwest China and known as the Roof of the World, has become a sanctuary for wild animals thanks to protection efforts by the central and local governments.
In 1994, China set up the Qomolangma Nature Reserve which covers an area of 33,800 square kilometers. There are over 100 species of wild animals inhabiting the reserve, one of 17 nature reserves in Tibet.
(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2001)
