Smuggling of endangered animals and plants from abroad has been increasing, posing serious challenges to Chinese authorities.

In 2012 and 2013, customs investigated 299 cases involving smuggling of endangered species, about 20 percent higher than the previous two years. A total of 384 suspects were arrested, according to the General Administration of Customs.

"Due to the temptation of huge benefits and strong market demand, we are facing a grim task to combat such crime," said Xu Wenrong, deputy director of the anti-smuggling bureau at the General Administration of Customs.

He said that the seizures included ivory, rhino horns, pangolins, or precious wood, mainly smuggled from Africa and Southeast Asia.

Peng Yong, a senior officer of the administration's investigation department, said African smugglers colluded with Chinese counterparts to operate the rings.

According to Xu, China has a long tradition of using wild animals as ingredients in Chinese medicine or soups.

In addition, China is skillful at ivory sculpture, and top-grade ivory arts and crafts are sold to European and American countries at high prices. Precious wood is also in strong demand in China to make luxury furniture, he said.

In recent years, efforts have been made to enhance law enforcement by collaborating with the international community.

Earlier this year, China destroyed more than six tons of confiscated ivory.

Customs has conducted many joint actions to fight the hunting and trafficking of wild animals, including elephants, tigers, monkeys and snakes, said Wang Beijing, director of the administration's international cooperation department.

Chinese customs has established close relationships with international authorities to share intelligence and conduct joint investigations, she said.

zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn