July 29 is International Global Tiger Day, marked to bring awareness to a very critically endangered species.
The Crisis
- Over 97% of all wild Tigers have been lost
- It is now estimated that there are less than 3000 left in the wild
- There are more captive Tigers, like Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, in the USA than in the wild
Threats
- Deforestation, climate change, loss of prey, contact and conflict with humans and hunting are but a few factors taking a toll on Tigers
- The biggest threat to Tigers however is from poaching for their bones, skins and various body parts used in TCM
“Wildlife crime is extremely organized, violent and it is booming”
- “The illegal tiger trade is growing because of a claim in Far Eastern culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine that tiger parts can cure human illnesses. This is scientifically unproven. Claims include that consuming a tiger eyeball will help cure epilepsy; or that tiger bone wine will help cure arthritis.”
- “The demand for tiger skins and tiger bone wine is booming as wealthy businessmen buy these goods to prove their wealth. These products are also used as bribes for promotions within corporations.” – source TigerTime
“…China has created a demand that is unlikely to cease. Today there are tiger farms, where pelts and bones are collected. While tiger farms have many additional issues based on the inhuman conditions farm tigers are kept, these farms fuels the demand of tiger products, wild or not.” – source Earthtimes.org
In the News
Recently China admitted in public that “it permits trade in skins from captive tigers”. It was huge and the news rapidly spread around the world. Read the BBC News article here if you missed it.
While all this is very daunting, I will be the first to admit, it does not mean we give up. Here are some way you can help:
- Sign the AVAAZ petition to Close all Tiger Farms in China
- Go to TigerTime, find your country contact listed and email your CITES Rep asking them to support an end to Tiger Farming in China
- On Facebook follow organizations like End Tiger Trade and Tiger Time
- Educate by sharing the information on your social networks
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