A man who illegally captured 37 wild birds on Chongming Island has been sentenced to six months, with a one-year reprieve, according to the Shanghai Railway Transportation Court.

The man, surnamed Gu, was also ordered to make a public apology and pay 10,500 yuan (US$1,617), according to the verdict made on Wednesday.

Court said Gu captured 37 wild birds, 35 of which are under protected status such as the pale thrush and common blackbird, between mid-November and December 6 last year in eastern Chongming. He intended to eat them later at home.

Chongming, which has a bird nature reserve, has banned wildlife hunting. Gu was aware of the ban but still captured the birds. His illegal actions damaged the area’s wildlife resources, caused loss to the state and was detrimental to public interest, according to the court.

Gu showed regret and made an apology after the verdict was announced.

This is the city’s first case where prosecutors filed a public-interest lawsuit against a defendant after prosecutors were granted the right last year to sue people who harm public interests by damaging the eco-system or committing fraud in the food and drug business.