A distressed swan is taken from Dongting Lake, Hunan province, on Sunday after 15 swans and 31 wild ducks were found dead. Police believe the birds were poisoned and five suspects have been arrested. [Li Feng / For China Daily]

"These species are crucial in stabilizing the ecosystem in the biological chain. Protecting them means a lot to the future of human beings," he said.

Similar tragedies happened in the Beidagang Natural Reserve of Tianjin two months ago, where at least 20 Oriental white storks were found dead and 13 more poisoned in wetland tainted by highly toxic pesticide.

Two suspects were detained on Nov 30.

Hua Ning, a project manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said that the public still lacks awareness of protecting wildlife, especially when they are driven by economic interests.

"What the government should do is reduce the conflict between people and nature," Hua said.

According to Hua, there are inevitable conflicts between animals and human beings. It has been previously reported that migratory birds have eaten up crops near Dongting Lake.

The government should take the responsibility to reconcile the conflict and subsidize the farmers, said Hua.

"By taking responsibility, the government would better guide the public in animal protection," Hua added.