(CN) University takes sick birds of prey under its wing

[Guest guest]

Monday, December 17, 2001 South China Morning Post

http://china.scmp.com/today/ZZZ223SYAVC.html

STAFF REPORTER in Beijing

 

In a move to protect wildlife from urbanisation, experts have

opened what may be China's first centre for large birds harmed by human

contact.

 

About 70 species including falcons, hawks, owls, vultures and

other birds of prey - which often fly through Beijing during annual

migrations - are known to suffer due to water pollution and the use of

agricultural chemicals.

 

Birds of prey are also sold in markets and restaurants in the

capital, and the city is a hub for illegal shipping of such birds.

 

The advocacy group International Fund for Animal Welfare and the

Beijing Forestry Bureau officially opened the Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre

at Beijing Normal University's biology department on Friday.

 

The centre will release the treated birds back into the wild.

 

" There's just one world, but the world doesn't belong only to

people, " university deputy chancellor Shi Peijun said. " People at this

university have given a lot to save wildlife. Wildlife makes us all together

work harder. "

 

Depending on members of the public such as farmers from

Beijing's semi-rural suburbs to report injured birds, the centre's staff and

students can retrieve and hold up to 15 at a time.

 

The one-storey centre already has seven birds, including a giant

owl, a hawk and several falcons with broken wings. One will never fly again

and will be kept at the university for study.

 

The centre's opening follows an agreement to train Beijing Zoo

veterinarians and Beijing Forestry Bureau officials in the care of birds at

two US centres.

 

China needs better animal-care standards and expertise in the

rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey, according to a statement from

the US-based International Fund for Animal Welfare. This know-how would

complement China's increased enforcement of laws to protect wildlife from

destruction by humans.

 

" The raptor [bird of prey] stands at the top of the food chain.

They are most likely to be affected by the negative changes in the

environment, said Zheng Guangmei, a university ornithologist and the rescue

centre director.

 

" The opening of the centre has provided another channel for

protecting this endangered wildlife and for increasing public awareness

about wildlife protection. "

 

It is also hoped the Beijing bird centre will provide the public

with a better insight into China's birds of prey.