China targets invasive plants and animals in 3-year crackdown
- Authorities will improve monitoring at ports and early warning systems
- More than 1,400 species were stopped from entering the country in the first six months of this year, customs says
Chinese customs authorities have embarked on a three-year campaign to stop invasive plants and animals entering the country.
The General Administration of Customs said on Saturday that the risks from these species had risen with the growth in international trade and movement of people across borders.
The administration said it would step up inspections at ports, improve early warning systems and deploy more advanced technology and analysis.
In the first half of this year alone, customs officers across the country intercepted 1,405 live animal and plant species prohibited from entering the country, it said.
Some of the animals were imported illegally by criminal gangs for the exotic pet market, the administration said.
According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, there are already more than 660 invasive alien species in China, including 71 that have threatened or could threaten the country’s natural ecosystems.