(CN) Deer hunting proposal triggers debate

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Deer hunting proposal triggers debate

(Xinhua)

2006-08-27

 

Haikou -- Proposals to establish a commercial hunting

ground for the formerly endangered Eld's deer in South

China's Hainan Province have stirred up a public

controversy across the country.

 

The latest debate comes just two weeks after the

central government was forced to postpone a planned

auction of hunting quotas and licences in the face of

a public outcry.

 

In a media interview, Wang Chundong, head of Hainan

Provincial Wildlife and Plants Conservation Center,

said the preliminary preparation for the hunting

ground has started, and it was planned to go into

operation in 8 to 10 years.

 

On the verge of extinction in late 1970s, the Eld's

deer, a sub-species of swamp deer, today roams in

large herds across the hills of the southwestern coast

of the island province.

 

The species has recovered healthy stock numbers after

a comprehensive protection program that began 30 years

ago. In May, the population in Hainan stood at 1,600.

 

Wang said many of the deer had been artificially bred

and were losing their propagating capabilities as the

aged, necessitating a cull.

 

" In an international hunting ground, the price tag on

the head of an Eld's deer is 100,000 U.S. dollars, 25

times more than the benefit from conventional

processing, " said Wang.

 

Proceeds from hunting would increase funds for

protection of fauna and flora on the island.

 

Provincial forestry officials supported the idea of an

international hunting ground, predicting it would

usher in new conservation methods and bring economic

benefits.

 

Some local residents also endorsed the plan and

believed a hunting ground would attract more investors

and consumers.

 

However, opponents say once the hunting ground becomes

a tourist draw, hunting with a quota limit could

easily go awry and turn into a profit-driven killing

spree.

 

Inadequate supervision of the hunting quota has also

raised concerns.

 

Yuan Xicai, a specialist in animal research,

especially of Eld's deer, cautioned against a hunting

ground in Hainan.

 

" The Eld's deer, with its present population, is still

at risk and much is still needed for its

conservation, " said Yuan.

 

" Currently, the deer live inside nature reserves or

shelters with fencing, and it will take five to ten

more years to prepare them for release into the wild.

Otherwise, our previous conservation efforts will end

in vain. "

 

China's State Forestry Administration (SFA) postponed

the country's first auction of hunting quotas

scheduled for Aug. 13 after rousing public anger. The

auction would have seen the sale of quotas for hunting

289 animals of 14 species under national protection.

 

Angry Internet users accused the SFA of being purely

profit-driven.

 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-08/27/content_675105.htm

 

 

 

 

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