BEIJING - China will strengthen its protection on birds via legislation and better preservation of their natural habitats, said Yin Hong, deputy head of State Forestry Administration, on Wednesday.

Yin made the remarks during the 30th national Bird Conservation Week. Yin also urged the public to fight illegal hunting and protect birds as China is home to more than 1,300 species. The number of endangered birds, such as the crested ibis, has increased rapidly in China.

The population of the crested ibis in China grew to about 1,617 by the end of 2010, compared to seven in 1981.