CHONGQING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Shutterbug Yang Xiaoping from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality is so familiar with the local bird population that he can almost identify different species solely by their unique chirps.

 

"Asian paradise flycatcher is a kind of migratory bird and I can manage to photograph this species here in the Nanchuan District around May every year," said the 76-year-old man, adding that each year at least five pairs of Asian paradise flycatchers can be spotted in the nearby park.

 

Eight years ago, Yang stumbled upon a catalog detailing the diverse wildlife species inhabiting Chongqing's Jinfo Mountain. The catalog featured an impressive collection of 228 bird species, which inspired him to embark on a photography expedition to capture each and every one of these avian wonders with his camera.

 

Capturing a perfect image of the Asian paradise flycatcher is not an easy task at all. On one occasion, Yang had to patiently wait for several days to get a family picture of these enchanting birds. "I stationed myself by the tree every day for a span of nine to 12 days, waiting for the moment when the fledglings would finally venture out of their nest and I would capture a photograph," he said with pride.

 

Yang pointed out that there has been an increase in the bird population in recent years, attributing this positive trend to the concerted efforts by the authorities toward environmental protection. His photographic collection now boasts an impressive 270 bird species, surpassing the catalog.

 

Asian paradise flycatcher, also known as the Terpsiphone incei, is one of the 700-plus species newly added to the updated list of terrestrial wild animals of important ecological, scientific and social value, as China further expanded the legal basis of wild animal protection and boosted public awareness.

 

First published in 2000, the list now contains a total of 1,924 wild animal species, including 1,028 birds, 450 reptiles, 253 amphibians and 91 mammals, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

 

Meanwhile, the updated list saw the removal of wild boars, which no longer face threats to their survival as a species, along with some other species that have a relatively large population and no longer face the threat of extinction.

 

According to Jin Kun, a researcher with the Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the population of wild boar grew quickly due to the protection measures, and the animal was sighted in 28 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the Chinese mainland.

 

Jin explained how wild boars have caused damages in 857 counties, cities and districts. "This relentless issue has significantly disrupted the daily lives of local residents," he said, adding that it is necessary to remove the species from the protected list considering people's welfare and local development.

 

However, Jin made it clear that this action does not imply unrestricted killing of the animals. "Culling should be undertaken responsibly, in conjunction with protective measures."

 

In contrast, the rise in the population of Asian paradise flycatchers is greatly welcomed.

 

Wang Xia, from the Mt. Jinfo National Nature Reserve management center, told Xinhua that along with other animal species, the Asian paradise flycatcher can be more frequently spotted in the nature reserve and sometimes the bird even ventures into the urban area of Chongqing.

 

Wang noted that after the bird is added to the protected list, the nature reserve will further enhance the protection of the species. "Those who hunt and kill the bird will be strictly punished in accordance with the wildlife regulation, and I believe that such illegal activities will definitely be reduced."

 

According to Wang, to protect the bird species, the first thing that must be done is to protect the environment. "We engaged with local communities, villages and schools to create awareness among people on environmental protection," she said, adding that efforts are being mounted jointly by local ecology and environment, forestry and police authorities in this mission.

 

Speaking about the visible improvements in the environment, Yang Xiaoping said, "Garbage once scattered along the rivers is gone, the water is cleaner and the forest is denser."

 

He also expressed his admiration for the noticeable shift in people's behavior. Previously, he witnessed locals engaging in activities such as fishing and using slingshots to harm birds near a reservoir, despite the best efforts of rangers to prevent such actions. "Now, I no longer see people do such things, which shows a rise in public awareness about environmental protection," the photographer said.