ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[peter]

PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA IN CHINA

a - THE ECONOMY

I think Putin, in the interview above, referred to countries like China when he said it isn't always easy to get to a decision on economic development and conservation.

The Russian Maritime Province, I think, also is an example. After the collapse of the Sowjet-Union, many lost their job. Poverty had become such a problem that many had no other option but to return to the forest in order to survive. There is no doubt that the forest and the animals suffered from the influx of desperate humans. There also is no doubt some of these saw opportunities quite unrelated to poverty:

*This image is copyright of its original author

 
 
b - CULTURE

The Chinese didn't need an economic collapse to use the forest and its inhabitants in a less than respectful way. Sheer numbers, poverty and, even more important, culture resulted in a tradition that could only have ended in one way. Apart from a few regions, forests are now all but gone. Same for many animals. 

Marco Polo, about seven centuries ago, wrote large predators were everywhere in China, Mongolia and Tibet. There were so many, people were adviced not to travel at night. But the Chinese retaliated. Panthera leo was the first to pay, later followed by Panthera tigris virgata, Panthera tigris amoyensis and Panthera tigris altaica. And Ursus arctos and Panthera pardus? Well, some survived near the Himalayas and in north-east China, but they had to promise to refrain from humans in the future. Or else. 

When Panthera tigris had been externimated, the demand couldn't be satisfied anymore. Not in China itself. This was the reason a tour was organized. Friends and neighbours were asked to help and the result was such, that tigers started disappearing very quickly from most parts of Asia. The Chinese now had to answer a number of questions regarding tigers. Although they were given and promises not to do it again were made, the number of wild tigers is still decreasing and new opportunities were discovered too. Yes, I was referring to Burma. 

We could indulge in criticism, but we have to acknowledge it takes a long time to change a culture. The need to change quickly, however, is very clear and the Chinese know. In many cities, the air quality is so bad that outdoor events have become quite dangerous. Some of my friends returned because they couldn't participate in outdoor activities anymore. Suicidal, they said. This is without water pollution and using dubious methods to improve the production of fish and meat, of course. 


c - FUTURE

Do tigers have a future in China? I don't think Panthera tigris amoyensis will return for lack of space and opportunity. Panthera tigris virgata also is too much of an ask, although China could perhaps profit from plans to reintroduce Panthera tigris altaica disguished as Panthera tigris virgata in some regions in Central-Asia. But a plan is very different from reality.

The only real chance is Panthera tigris altaica. Amur tigers have re-entered China and it is thought there could be 10-40 in the north-east. The Chinese are doing their best to make life comfortable for them, but there are many Chinese and not all would agree with the attempt to let them roam free if there also is a demand to satisfy.  


d - TIGERFARMS AND SAFARI PARKS

Many of us have debated about Chinese tigerfarms and safari parks. Although I do not doubt the tigers will be used in some way, I do not agree with the outcome of the debate. 

The reason is it takes a long time to change a culture, meaning the demand for tiger flesh and tiger bones will not change in the near future. It is about the demand. If it partly can be satisfied by using captive tigers from farms and safari parks, chances are the pressure on wild tigers will diminish. Even if it only satisfies a part of the demand, it could be the difference between life and death for hundreds of wild tigers. I, however, do no doubt many will disagree with this view.

In the meantime, China is doing what it can in the north-east. The forests needed are there, there is game, there is cattle, there are rangers, there are researchers and there is cooperation from local farmers. Maybe things are slowly changing.


e - PHOTOGRAPHS

1b - Traps and nooses collected in north-east China:

*This image is copyright of its original author

1c - Wild male Amur tiger eating a cow in Hunchun. He said he didn't do it, but there is this photograph:

*This image is copyright of its original author

  

1d - Male Amur tiger killed in China. Cause of death, as far as I know, unknown:

*This image is copyright of its original author

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