 As if habitat loss was not enough, tigers and numerous other species of endangered wild life also have to contend with POACHING! Regardless of the tigers' classification as a "Critically Endangered" species, the demand for its parts has drastically increased at an alarming rate since the end of the 20th Century. The tiger is primarily killed to supply underground black markets with its organs, pelts and bones. These items are highly regarded in eastern medicine, claiming to posse's capabilities to heal all sorts of human illnesses and dysfunctions. In addition, this regal and magnificent symbol of nature's beauty and power is hunted recreationally for sport/trophies, perceived fear, and just out-rite ignorance! Unfortunately, poaching is not isolated to any one subspecies or population. All tigers, no matter were they live, seem to be under attack!
It is quite apparent threw governmental seizures that the import and exportation of tiger parts is a sizable business. It is astonishing to think how many tigers are killed to support this evil trade. In 1990, over 4,180 pounds of tiger bones were exported from Taiwan to Japan. Documented records from the Korean government state that over 8700 pounds of tiger bones were imported into South Koreas from Indonesia. In Asia, parts other then the bones are used in mythological medicine. This includes the tiger's eyes, hair, internal organs and even their penis (which is used in a soup as an aphrodisiac). In Hong Kong black markets, venders sell a pound of powdered tiger humorous bone sells for over $1700. Keep in mind that all of these so-called treatments are completely unproven by science and have absolutely no real medical value. You would think with today's science and global communication abilities that people would come to their senses! What kind of person does it take to actually believe that eating a tiger's brain will cure pimples and or laziness? How can a person living in the 20th Century really believe that consuming the cat's whiskers will prevent toothaches. Equally ridiculous, these same people think eating the tiger's nose will cure epilepsy! I just find it so hard to believe that a culture evolved to the point of even knowing what epilepsy is; can think that eating this cat's nose will help cure it. Reading about these grueling facts makes me wonder how man is considered to be of superior intelligence? I get absolutely sick to my stomach pondering these questions! To make matters worse, this cultural exploitation is at the expense of one of the world most Endangered animals. Not to mention one of its most majestic and beautiful inhabitants! If man has no respect such a remarkable animal as the tiger, how can mankind be expected to protect all of the other animals, plants and wild places sharing this planet with us? I leave you with this bit of trivia to contemplate; " At the current rate of EXTINCTION, 1/3rd of all animals will become EXTINCT with-in twenty (20) years. Let us all ban together to stop this atrocious behavior. I encourage you not to support this activity in any way! By purchasing parts or products made by Endangered species, you are creating a larger market for these items. This includes products made from or containing ivory, sea turtle shell, or any other threatened or endangered animal. Please do your part by not participating in this horrible trade of death! Especially while overseas, were in some cases there are no laws prohibiting the sale of these items to tourists. Everybody here at the Sanctuary thanks you for your active involvement in this war to save what is left of the worlds remaining wildlife, trees and wild places!
Since
January 1994, the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI)
has collected data on the following number of tiger poaching cases
and unnatural tiger deaths:
These statistics,
however, are fragmentary and represent only a fraction of the
actual tiger poaching activity in India. As a result of the spate
of seizures in 1994 and 1995, poachers and traders now also go
to extraordinary lengths to conceal their illegal activities.
Tiger skins are often destroyed so that the criminals can indulge
in the more lucrative trade in tiger bones undetected. The Central
and State Government do not collate information on poaching cases.
The figures recorded are the result of reports received by WPSI
from enforcement authorities, operations carried out by WPSI and
other sources. WPSI also has records of a large number of tigers
that were officially "found dead". Without verification
of evidence of poaching or unnatural deaths, these cases have
not been included. Recent Tiger Part Seizures and Poaching Incidents:
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