The province of Qinghai in northwest China has prohibited the flying of drones over the Qinghai Lake, expressing fear that the flying device will chase away wildlife.

The administrative bureau of the lake on Tuesday said that visitors, who use drones, have scared away the migratory whooper swans. Some visitors allegedly use car horns or firecrackers to startle the birds in order to capture better photos, according to ornithologist Fang Hua.

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Even local amateur photographer Wang Qiwen has noticed the dramatic decrease of the migratory swans this winter.

The administrative bureau is taking precautionary measures by designating personnel to patrol around the lake and reprimand those showing unacceptable behaviours.

Recently, there has been a heated debate over the Internet between bird watchers and drone enthusiast over this issue. Several netizens suggest that China should promulgate specific protocols with regard to drone operation particularly when used around wildlife habitats. 

According to Xihai Metropolis Daily, on Friday, a group of photographers were out in the lake for a photoshoot. One of them used a drone to capture photos of nearly 300 swans perching on the lake's Quanwan Bay. Other photographers reportedly shot photos of the drone floating about a meter over the swans, who flew away after being agitated.

Some of the photographers allegedly returned on Sunday and only found a handful of wintering swans in the area. The following day, photos of the drone were posted online, sparking a debate about how and when drones should be used.

Some have blamed Chinese drone manufacturer DJI for creating easily maneuverable drones which are capable of aerial photography for amateurs. But Nanning Radio commentator Yin Yuping posted on his microblog that drones are not to blame as the real threat are human beings.

On Monday, Qinghai Lake Nature Reserve Administration head He Yubang paid a visit to the Quanwan Bay and counted nearly 80 swans. However, the administration cannot still determine whether swans have left the reserve or they just transfered to a different site. He urged the public to help preserve the wildlife and to coordinate with the government in implementing the new rule by reporting instances of wildlife disturbances. 

Tagsdrones, camera, Photography, Qinghai Lake