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Commenting on the exercise, an AFD conservation officer, Dr So Ping- man, pointed out that response from schools to the offer, which was announced in a teacher seminar last year, had been encouraging.
"We hope that the specimens can be used to more effectively put across the message of endangered species protection to students through display at schools.
Dr So stressed that while law enforcement could be a tool in protecting endangered species, more fundamental to the issue was to educate the public about its importance.
"With regard to public education, we consider our students a good starting point.
"If we could make our students realise the importance of protecting endangered species and the way they can be of assistance, we would have more conservation-minded citizens in the future," he added.
Dr So also reminded the public to strictly abide by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance.
Following the recent legislative amendment, any person convicted of importing, exporting or possessing a highly endangered species could face a maximum fine of $5 million plus two years' imprisonment.
Species under this category include rhinos, tigers, most bears, sea turtles, some wild orchids and medicine containing or claiming to contain rhino or tiger ingredients.
End/Friday, February 10, 1995
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