Increase in the Demand of Tiger Parts in 2010

I chanced upon this article when my brother picked up My Paper a week or two ago. Apparently, sale of tiger parts in Singapore and many parts of Asia soared in the year of tiger because people deemed it to be an appropriate gift and not to mention the declination of the population has well increased its value. Thailand, China and India has been named as main sources of supply.

There is no scientific evidence that tiger parts contain medicinal value: the penis is believed to be an aphrodisiac and the tiger bone tonic wine believed to be able to cure rheumatism. The paws and pelts are sold as decorative items. Their claws, teeth and fur are openly sold as jewelry.

Tigers are the largest of all big cats, and also one of the most beautiful animals on this planet. However, they are also among the most threatened and vulnerable species on Earth. All subspecies of tigers are listed as endangered on IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). There are 9 subspecies of tigers where 3 have already become extinct in the past 70 years. Out of the remaining 6, South China Tiger and the Sumatran Tiger are listed as critically endangered. Current tiger population is possibly at 3,200.

Tigers are one of the most culturally important animal in the world. They are only found in Asia and it is our pride to have them. In many cultures and nations, tigers symbolizes strength, power, and majesty.

Many governments have stepped in to combat poachers by pledging millions of dollars to fund efforts to save tigers in the wild. Reintroduction of tigers into reserve parks were carried out successfully by the Indian government, and thanks to the Russian government on vigorous anti-poaching efforts, the population of Siberian tiger has recovered and stabilized. Although still listed as endangered, the population of the Siberian tiger has rose from 40 in the 1940s to about 400 in the wild currently.

Let's take the opportunity of the year of tiger to learn more about the 'King of the Jungle'. I have always believe that it is only human that we know what we have learned, and we will only love what we know. If we do not respond to the plight of wild tigers, we will witness the loss of one of the world's most irreplaceable natural wonders of our lifetime.

Reena