China may revive trade in rare tiger parts - Reuters

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

China may revive trade in rare tiger parts
08 Jun 2007 12:17:43 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Anna Mudeva

THE HAGUE, June 8 (Reuters) - China is considering lifting a ban
on trade in tiger parts, believed to cure anything from rheumatism
to laziness, despite growing fears that the move could wipe out
the endangered big cat.

China told the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) this week that it would allow trade in parts from
captive-bred tigers if a scientific review proved the step would
reduce poaching and help tigers worldwide.

But conservationists and governments said Beijing's move, under
pressure from commercial interests, would only fuel illegal trade
throughout Asia and urged China to better educate its people, for
example to use aspirin not tiger bone wine.

China banned the sale of tiger bones and hides in 1993, virtually
wiping out the market for traditional medicines made from parts
of the animal.

-snip-

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