The Chinese legislature has just passed a re-interpretation of the Penal Code which allows for the imprisonment of not only those who hunt and kill protected species, but also those who eat them. There are currently 420 species of wild animals that are considered in danger of extinction, and it is these that the rules are aimed at: so be careful not to have pandas, golden monkeys, Asian black bears or pangolins served at the table. The penalty ranges from 5 to 10 years in prison, according to the seriousness of the offence.
Not only that: even those who buy the remains of protected species - both for food and for collection - see penalties tightened, and are considered guilty of receiving stolen goods. The penalty can go up to 3 years in prison. Before this change to the Penal Code, buyers often escaped any sanction. The Asian markets have long been considered the most receptive to this kind of trade, and the Chinese government has undertaken to combat these forms of illegality: in February, the 'Cobra II' operation led to the seizure of three tons of ivory and over 1000 skins.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-04/24/content_17463323.htm
