BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Amid an improving ecological environment, Beijing has seen more terrestrial wild vertebrates, local authorities said Wednesday.
Currently, there are more than 500 species of terrestrial wild vertebrates living in the city, including 15 under first-class national protection such as black stork and 66 under second-class national protection like mandarin duck, according to Beijing Gardening and Greening Bureau.
The city has in recent years seen an increase in both species and population of wild animals. The number of species of terrestrial wild vertebrates is currently more than 500, up from 461 in 1994, said Zhang Zhiming, an official in charge of wildlife and wetlands protection with the bureau.
The black storks that used to be spotted only in Beijing's Fangshan District, now also have their habitats in some other districts including Haidian and Changping.
"The increase in number of wild animals is closely related to the greening and improvement of the ecological environment of the city. The meticulously-built urban forest parks and wetlands not only bring nature's splendours to citizens, but also attract wildlife to settle down here," said Zhang. Enditem
