The joint investigation team that has been looking into the poaching and trafficking of wild birds in the Changdao National Nature Reserve in Yantai, Shandong province has filed five illegal hunting cases and has three people in custody, ThePaper reported on Monday.

A program from the news website released an undercover video, exposing the poaching of wild birds on Tuoji Island and Daheishan Island in the reserve, which is a crucial gateway for north-south migratory birds in eastern China. The video shows dense bird nets scattered in the forests on the islands in the reserve, which had entangled protected birds such as eagles and falcons. After being caught, some of the birds were dismembered on the spot, and their remains, including heads, wings and tail feathers, were left on the ground.

The bodies of some birds were sent to local restaurants.

Wildlife conservationists set free several protected birds, including a short-eared owl and a skylark, while undercover with ThePaper reporters.

Following the release of the video, a joint investigation team was formed by members from authorities, including public security bureaus and the reserve management center. They went to islands and restaurants to conduct on-site investigations. Efforts are also being made to combat the illegal hunting of birds by clearing bird nets.