Catching the hunters trapping rare songbirds in China

Silva Gu's eyes dart back and forth across miles of tall grassland, scouring it for signs of life in the darkness. He speaks in a whisper, trying to find a spot to hide as dawn approaches. The poachers are here, and with them, the threat to vulnerable songbirds.

Each year, tens of thousands of birds are captured in China for the pet trade or for meat. A Siberian rubythroat can sell for nearly 2,000 yuan, significantly higher than many farmers earn in a month. Despite laws in place protecting these birds, the poaching business remains lucrative, especially amid the economic downturn caused by recent crises.

Silva Gu, a passionate conservationist, has dedicated the past decade to combating this illegal trade. His advocacy began with the formation of the Beijing Migratory Bird Squad, gathering volunteers and collaborating with local police to combat poachers more effectively.

China is home to over 1,500 bird species, with many migrating through its territories during seasonal changes. Unfortunately, many of these birds fall victim to mist nets set up by poachers, offering a grim fate for those who survive arduous migratory journeys.

Despite the harsh realities of his work—including being physically assaulted by poachers—Silva finds solace in his mission. Armed with technology like satellite imagery, he tracks poacher movements and continues to rescue birds. He believes in the potential for change as he empowers local enforcement and raises awareness in his community.

As economic struggles fuel the illegal wildlife trade, Silva warns against complacency. He hopes that education and advocacy will transform the views of future generations, fostering a greater appreciation for ecological preservation in China's rapidly modernizing society. Every night during the migration season, I patrol the fields hoping to bring back the songbirds’ sweet melodies to our skies,' he shares. 'This is my ideal and I must keep going.