China Protects Endangered ReindeersChina has worked out an emergency plan to save the reindeer from extinction.Genhe city in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region bought 30 reindeers from Russia with 600,000 yuan (72,290 U.S. dollars). The city will invest three million yuan this year to support the reindeer raising. An investigation by a rare animal survey team shows that wild reindeers have nearly disappeared in China and the animal will become extinct if protection efforts fail. There are only about 700 reindeers left in captivity, and their numbers are dropping, according to the team's survey report. The reindeer is an auspicious animal in Chinese culture. Its pictures and sculptures can be found in many temples and ancient sites. Chinese ancient philosopher and educator Confucius referred to the animal as a "benevolent beast" in his famous history book " The Spring and Autumn Annals" written in 481 BC. |
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