BEIJING - In light of reports that wild birds have been killed on their migratory journeys in China, the country's State Forestry Administration (SFA) on Thursday pledged to step up efforts to improve wild animal protection.

Regarding the rampant illegal hunting of migratory birds, Yin Hong, deputy head of the SFA, said at a recent teleconference that the SFA will pool and coordinate efforts to strengthen wild animal protection and management.

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

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

In regions frequented by endangered animals, local authorities should organize patrols to curb poaching and other illegal activities, the SFA said.

The administration called for intensifying checks on restaurants, bird markets and medical materials sites where wild animals are widely used.

Meanwhile, the SFA said it will step up education campaigns through the Internet and other media, as well as improve the tip-off mechanism.