Beijing, Nov 2 (IANS): China's state forestry administration (SFA) has pledged to improve wild animal protection following reports of migratory birds being killed during their visit into the country.

Speaking recently about the rampant illegal hunting of migratory birds, Yin Hong, deputy head of the SFA, said the state forestry administration would pool and coordinate efforts to strengthen wild animal protection and management, Xinhua reported.

The remarks came after a large number of migratory birds were killed on their stoppage in China, a country through which three of the world's eight major migratory routes pass.

Yin called on local authorities to "seriously look into" management loopholes and locate the major protection areas to strengthen patrols over the wild animals.

The SFA has directed that in regions frequented by endangered animals, local authorities should organise patrols to curb poaching and other illegal activities.

The administration has called for intensifying checks on restaurants, bird markets and medical materials sites where wild animals are widely used. It has also decided to step up awareness campaigns through internet and other media as well as improving the tip-off mechanism.