A five-person gang in Chengdu illegally captured 6,156 wild Asiatic toads in rural fields for resale, generating over 600,000 yuan. All suspects were criminally detained; the species is protected under China’s ‘Three-Protected’ wildlife list.

Social Context

Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans) are classified as ‘Three-Protected’ (valuable, ecologically important, and economically beneficial) under China’s Wildlife Protection Law (2023 revision), prohibiting hunting without permits. Rural poaching persists due to demand in traditional medicine markets and weak enforcement in remote agricultural zones.

Safety Tip

Report wildlife trafficking via the national 12315 platform or Forestry Bureau hotline; avoid purchasing animal-derived products without CITES certification or provincial wildlife authority approval.