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

[peter]

COPTERS

According to Betty " ... Chinese law banned the sale of tigers, but there are still people trading in the black market ...". Some traders used an influential forum to sell tiger products. After a complaint from Betty and some others, action was taken. Based on the photographs posted by Betty, the effect was limited. 

In the last few years, I read a number of articles about tiger poachers (India mostly), transport of poached tigers (Nepal and Tibet seem to be important) and the trade in bones and skins. Most poached tigers end up in China, but most of the work is done in what used to be known as the 'Golden triangle' just south of China. Most tiger 'shops' seem to be in one street in a small village in the northwest of Laos (see the article below). 

Vietnam also was important. Although the Vietnamese authorities were informed by a reliable organisation, no action was taken as far as I know. At least, not in the tiger trade department. They started in the oil industry. In the last months, dozens of high-ranking officials accused of corruption have been tried and sentenced. State banks seem to be next on the list. Based on what I read, it's likely that quite a few party members in Vietnam are involved in the trade of tiger bones as well. When they go down, chances are that things will change to a degree. In Vietnam. Not Laos and Myanmar.

Although the struggle needs to continue, the effect will be limited. The reason is demand and the willingness to pay big money. For this reason, poaching will continue. In Russia, about 20-30 Amur tigers are poached every year. Same for Nepal. In India, the number could be significantly higher. In Malaysia and Thailand, tigers stand a chance, but in the other tiger countries it's all but game over. Sumatra has 300-800 tigers (recent estimate). Although progress has been made, poachers still are very active. 

Although tigers seem to be doing well in some regions for now, it will be a close call.

BETTY

If you find more reliable information about tiger skins and bones, please use the thread'Wilful Destruction'  from now on. We are interested in photographs (but don't overdo it, as quite depressing), research, names and progress. Maybe you can move some of the photographs you posted to the thread mentioned.

MUST READ

The article below was published in 2015. I'm sure that some of you read it, but chances are that others never heard about it. A bit depressing, but informative: 

https://news.mongabay.com/2015/03/pleasure-palace-in-lao-facilitates-wildlife-poaching-for-chinese-elites/ Reply