SAVE TIGERS

As if habitat loss was not enough, tigers and numerous other species of endangered wildlife 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!

The year 2009 saw the maximum number of tiger deaths in the country due to poaching, with the toll reaching 32. However, 16 tigers were killed so far this year, in less than even three months.

If the Chinese government legalized tiger trade, it would sound death knell for the wild cat species as they were poached due to the demand in China for making traditional Chinese medicine.

Belinda Wright of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) made these observations at the Bangalore Press Club on Saturday at the screening of a documentary delving into the plight of the tiger. The Truth about Tigers is made by renowned conservationist and wildlife filmmaker Shekar Dattatri.

He said the film educated and delved into the complexities of the conservation of tigers in India. Ullas Karanth of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Wright of WPSI and Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde were present during the screening.

It is quite apparent through 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 tiger penis (which are 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!