Remembering Professor Zheng Guangmei and his impact on wildlife conservation in China

Professor Zheng Guangmei, a member of the Chinese Academy of Science, eminent ornithologist, and professor at the Life Science Institute at Beijing Normal University (BNU), sadly passed away on 3 October 2023. Professor Zheng devoted his life to ornithological research and ecological education, making a huge impact on wildlife conservation in China. He authored important works such as the Red List of China’s Vertebrates, Birds in China, The Natural History of China, and over a hundred research papers and textbooks on ecology and wildlife preservation.

Professor Zheng was a long-time friend to IFAW and to me personally. Over two decades ago, his support enabled IFAW to establish the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC) on the BNU campus in the heart of Beijing. He personally oversaw the allocation of the prime real estate in BNU’s Biology Garden for the BRRC because he felt that China needed a hospital for birds of prey that would also serve as an education center, demonstrating the highest animal welfare standards in raptor rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

Under Professor Zheng’s guidance, several research projects conducted at the BRRC have contributed to improved government policies that protect raptors. The Center’s toxicology research, for instance, has led to restrictions on the use of rat poison—which can kill raptors and other wildlife if ingested—in Beijing. Another piece of research resulted in the capital’s first compensation scheme for farmers who have had poultry killed by birds of prey, reducing revenge killing.

Over the years, we at IFAW have always been able to count on Professor Zheng’s astute guidance and staunch support, even in the face of difficult challenges. In the field of wildlife conservation and animal welfare in China, a bright light has been dimmed by the loss of Professor Zheng Guangmei, but his legacy lives on.

We at IFAW express our deepest condolences to Professor Zheng’s family, friends, and colleagues.