China is home to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife, including the iconic giant panda and the endangered pangolin. Over the past 70 years, the country’s wildlife laws have undergone significant transformation, reflecting shifts in priorities and a growing recognition of the need for conservation.

In the early decades, China focused on utilising wildlife as a resource. Wildlife was primarily seen as something to be harvested for food, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and trade. Laws were designed to regulate the use of animals to ensure they weren’t overexploited, but the emphasis was on economic gain rather than protecting biodiversity. This approach persisted for many years, with conservation taking a back seat to resource management.

However, in 2007, a significant shift occurred. China adopted the idea of “ecological civilisation,” a policy emphasising the importance of environmental protection, including wildlife conservation. This change in philosophy marked a turning point in China’s wildlife laws. The Wildlife Protection Law was amended, and greater efforts were made to protect endangered species. Yet, wildlife use—especially in TCM—continued under regulated conditions, highlighting the ongoing tension between conservation and traditional practices.

Everything changed in 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. The outbreak, potentially linked to a wet market selling wild animals, prompted China to take swift action. The country banned the consumption of terrestrial wild animals and introduced stricter regulations on wildlife trade. These reforms were driven by public health concerns, but they also represented a significant leap forward in wildlife conservation. The pandemic served as a wake-up call about the risks associated with the wildlife trade, leading to some of the most rapid legal changes in decades.

Why did these changes occur? According to our recent study (Tian et al., 2024), two main factors have driven these shifts. First, political will has been crucial. In 2007, China’s government adopted the "ecological civilisation" concept, which provided a foundation for stronger conservation laws, particularly under its unique one-party system. Second, human interests have played a significant role. Economic growth and cultural traditions, such as Chinese medicine, have long been the primary forces shaping wildlife governance in China. Recently, public health concerns have also emerged as a key influence. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, underscored the direct connection between wildlife exploitation and public health, prompting urgent reforms.

While these changes are promising, challenges remain. High demand for wildlife products—particularly in TCM—continues to pressure wildlife populations. The future of China’s wildlife laws will depend on finding a balance between cultural practices and the need to protect endangered species. Conservationists will need to continue advocating for policies that prioritise both ecological health and human well-being.

This story provides an important lesson for conservationists. Aligning wildlife protection with human interests—such as public health—can create powerful opportunities for legislative change. In the case of China, the pandemic acted as a catalyst for reform, demonstrating that conservation efforts are more likely to succeed when tied to broader societal concerns. By connecting conservation to human needs, advocates can build a stronger case for protecting wildlife, not only in China but around the world.

Read the full paper here.

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