HARBIN, May 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The ecology of the Dahinggan Mountains in northeast China has recovered 17 years after it suffered a big forest fire, experts said after completing a survey and research.

    A major forest area in China, Dahinggan Mountains was almost swallowed by the flames of a disastrous fire in May 1987, which forestry and ecological experts said would lead to changes in local climate, vegetation and animal population.

    Local governments and forestry authorities started to make efforts to accelerate the ecological recovery in the area right after the fire, which destroyed more than one sixth of the 6-million-hectare forest, was put out.

    They strengthened forestation efforts in the area while taking measures including artificial rainfall and river course dredging to improve the ecological environment for vegetation recovery.

    Local people were also mobilized to join in the forest protection efforts.

    Experts said all these measures were helpful for the ecologicalrecovery in this area.

    A survey by local forestry authorities showed that over 1.03 million hectares of the burnt forest have become green again.

    Some stretches of larch and spruce have grown to a height of more than 20 meters.

    Local people said the number of wild animals like roes, wild boars and bears is also increasing in the area. Enditem