Tiger Bones Research Articles

Illegal wildlife trade in two special economic zones in Laos: Underground–open-sale fluctuations in the Golden Triangle borderlands

The Laos borders with China, Myanmar, and Thailand have been identified as vulnerable hubs for illegal wildlife trade. In particular, some special economic zones (SEZs) in Laos are linked to illegal wildlife products, including tiger bones, rhino horn, and ivory for sale. SEZs are zones granted more free market-oriented economic policies and flexible governmental measures. In this study, we conducted on-site observations to identify high-valued wildlife, including (parts of) tigers, rhinos, bears, and pangolins in 2 of the 13 SEZs—the Golden Triangle and Boten SEZs—and conducted semistructured interviews with anonymous participants in 2017 and 2019. The trend regarding illegal wildlife trade in these SEZs seems to fluctuate. In the Golden Triangle SEZ, we found that the illegal trade in wildlife is present but occurs more covertly than previously observed; the trade transformed underground to online social media. In Boten SEZ, we found a decrease in bear bile products and an increase in the volume of tiger products openly for sale. Informants explained that the decrease of openly sold wildlife in the Golden Triangle SEZ has been influenced by media and political attention as well as inspections from local authorities, while in Boten SEZ, illegal wildlife traders diversified into tiger products, due to the decline in bear bile products and the reduction in the opportunity to obtain them.

To Ban or Not to Ban: China’s Trade in Endangered Species

ABSTRACT This study explores the conditions under which China complies with the international norms of banning the trade in endangered species using tiger bones and ivory cases. Why did China ban the ivory trade but attempt to allow the trade in tiger derivatives? The authors traced the key policies formulated by Chinese policymakers during 1981–2018. Drawing upon norm localization theory, the authors find that domestic policy preferences played a key role in linking domestic and international norms. Chinese policymakers actively chose ideas to advance their policy preferences, and this localization process reaches beyond a static fitting process between domestic-international norms. This finding has implications for wildlife policies in developing countries and sheds light on China’s wildlife policy development following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Two species, one snare: Analysing snare usage and the impacts of tiger poaching on a non-target species, the Malayan tapir

The illegal trade in tiger bones and body parts is crippling the remaining populations of tigers worldwide, but what effect does this trade have on other wildlife that get caught in the cross fire? The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is the only species of tapir found outside of South America, yet little is known of this subspecies despite its large size. Aside from habitat loss and an encroaching human population, effects of wildlife trade are taking their toll on this endangered species. In Sumatra Indonesia, tigers and tapirs are known to share habitat, potentially leaving tapirs vulnerable to fall victim to snare entrapment. This study looks at correlations between tiger and tapir indices as well as active tiger snares within Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia over a four-year period. Data was provided by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Fauna and Flora International, and this study investigated the frequency, and spatial relationships between all three variables. Across the study period, tiger snares increased significantly in numbers and spatial extent, indicating increased illegal poaching in KSNP. Areas with high frequencies of tiger evidence also showed high frequencies of tapir evidence, but while tiger frequency remained consistent, tapirs displayed a decreasing trend. Spatially, tiger evidence moved further away from snare and tapir locations over time, indicating tigers, (while being the target species) may display a greater response to poaching threats than tapirs. Tapir mortality was significantly correlated with the number of snares per kilometre surveyed, further supporting a negative impact from snares on tapirs. This study recommends long-term analysis to accurately determine the current population of Malayan tapirs in Sumatra and identify population trends. Identifying Sumatra's tapir population and recovery in response to poaching and habitat loss threats, must be determined to accurately inform conservation management actions of Sumatra's National Parks, and halt the decline of this illusive species.

Health Preferences and Culturally Appropriate Strategies to Reduce Bear Bile Demand in Northern Vietnam

Animal products, such as pangolin scales, rhinoceros horns, tiger bones, and bear bile have been used in East Asian traditional medicine (TM) for more than 2,000 years. However, markets for medicinal wildlife products have expanded dramatically in countries like China and Vietnam in recent decades where economic prosperity has enabled a larger proportion of the population to afford wildlife products (Olmedo et al. 2017). Related new farming and commercialization practices to meet growing international demand pose environmental and human health risks. Animal products also symbolize shared cultural and historical medical practices that are distinct from the dominant Western medical model.

A tale of the traded cat: development of a rapid real-time PCR diagnostic test to distinguish between lion and tiger bone

A rapid allelic discrimination real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay has been developed for the confirmation of lion (Panthera leo) or tiger (P. tigris) DNA. The method includes a low cost allele specific PCR assay designed for each SNP variant where the genotype is determined by incorporation and subsequent fluorescence of FAM or HEX following PCR. The described method was able to accurately and rapidly distinguish between the two species, and all three mitochondrial regions (16S, 12S and control region) performed equally well. The proposed real-time PCR assay can be applied for the accurate confirmation of either lion or tiger DNA that could be used by law enforcement agencies around the world as a tool to monitor illegal trade of tiger bones.

Who is killing the tiger Panthera tigris and why?

AbstractWe investigated the range of people involved in killing tigers Panthera tigris in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, their motives and methods, and their links to the commercial trade. Using snowball sampling we conducted 141 qualitative interviews with local people. We identified five categories (village residents, poachers, shikaris, trappers and pirates), each with different motives, methods and networks. Village residents kill tigers predominantly for safety, whereas others kill in the forest professionally or opportunistically. Poachers kill tigers for money, but for others the motives are more complex. The motives of local hunters are multifaceted, encompassing excitement, profit, and esteem and status arising from providing tiger parts for local medicine. Pirates kill tigers for profit and safety but also as a protection service to the community. The emerging international trade in tiger bones, introduced to the area by non-local Bangladeshi traders, provides opportunities to sell tiger parts in the commercial trade and is a motive for tiger killing across all groups.

Tiger Image on Medicinal Plasters Serve as a Cue for Traditional Medicine Consumers

In the past, Musk and Tiger Bone Plaster (Tiger Bone Plaster for shorter) was one of most common nonprescription Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since 1993, China banned all trade in tiger bones and its derivatives in 1993. Musk deer were up-listed as Category I State Key Protected Wild Animal Species in China in 2002. The plaster manufactures changed the prescription of Tiger Bone Plaster and used synthetic musk and herb medicines and changed the name of Tiger Bone Plaster to “Musk and Bone Strengthening Plaster” but packages of some brands of the plasters still carry a tiger’s image on it. Thus, consumers still consider the plasters as “Tiger Bone Plaster” because of the tiger image on the package. To investigate the consumer perception and behaviors of “Musk and Bone Strengthening Plaster”, we surveyed 418 citizens in Beijing in 2014. We found that 43.78% of respondents alleged that they had used “Tiger Bone Plaster”. When we inquired, almost all of respondents confirmed that the plasters they had used were “Musk and Bone Strengthening Plaster”. Presumably, tiger’s image on the plaster package produces a conditional stimulus to the consumers. Consumers preferred buying the plasters packed with tiger’s image printed on the package. In fact, no people had really consumed Tiger Bone Plaster in this investigation. For the sake of protecting tigers, we argue the manufacturers to remove the tiger image from the “Musk and Bone Strengthening Plaster” according to the regulations of CITES.

Yes, Pain Management Can Be Painfully Difficult

Yes, Pain Management Can Be Painfully Difficult

Banking on extinction: endangered species and speculation

Man y wildlife commodities, such as tiger bones, bear bladders, ivory, and rhino horn, have been stockpiled in large quantities by speculators who expect that future price increases justify for- going the interest income associated with current sales. When supply from private stores competes with supply from 'wild populations' (in nature) and when speculators are able to collude, it may be optimal to coordinate on an extinction strategy. We analyse the behaviour of a speculator who has access to a large initial store, and finds that it is optimal to deter poachers' entry either by depressing prices (carefully timing own supply) or by depressing wild stocks. Which strategy maximizes profits critically depends on the initial wildlife stock and initial speculative stores. We apply the model to the case of black rhino conservation, and conclude it is likely that 'banking on extinction' is profitable if current speculators are able to collude. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we also find that extinction is favoured by such factors as low discount rates or high growth rates.

Betting on Extinction: Endangered Species and Speculation

<i>For a number of animal species, speculators are betting on future price increases by holding large stockpiles of commodities from the animal. We develop a model to explain this behavior. We derive conditions where it can be optimal for a speculator to induce poachers to harvest so rapidly as to make extinction of the species inevitable. Results from a simulation based on the black rhino indicate that “betting on extinction” may be pro. table for reasonable parameter values. We also find that extinction is favored by low discount rates or high growth rates.</i> (Q22)

Use of animal products in traditional Chinese medicine: environmental impact and health hazards

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly practised in many countries of the world. Some recent textbooks of TCM still recommend formulas containing various animal tissues such as tiger bones, antelope, buffalo or rhino horns, deer antlers, testicles and os penis of the dog, bear or snake bile. Usually, animal tissues are combined with medical herbs. In most of the cases, the medical use of the preparations is justified in terms of the rules of TCM. So far, little research has been done to prove the claimed clinical efficacy of TCM animal products. This paper discusses some related ecological, ethico-legal and health concerns such as hunting, breeding and trade with endangered species, risks of transmission of zoonoses, quality of the products, and alternatives to preparations from endangered species.

DNA Test to Thwart Tiger Trade?

British researchers say they are developing a DNA test that could help nab those who illegally trade in tiger products. And three recent raids in India that confiscated huge caches of tiger bones and hides suggest that the need for such policing tools is greater than ever.

The illegal market in tiger parts in northern Sumatra, Indonesia

The Sumatran tiger is the only one of three original subspecies of tigers that survives in Indonesia today. Its wild population, estimated to be 400–650 animals, has progressively diminished because of habitat destruction, poaching and the removal of tigers involved in conflicts with local farmers. This paper presents previously undocumented information on the market in tiger products. It shows that, while no documentation of intentional tiger poaching to meet an international demand for tiger bones was recorded, the domestic demand for tiger bones, teeth and claws is still a potential threat to the future survival of this subspecies. In addition to continuing work to protect the integrity of tiger habitat in Sumatra, enforcement actions are required to prevent the domestic market for tiger parts increasing the threats to this subspecies and to ensure its conservation.

The illegal market in tiger parts in northern Sumatra, Indonesia

The Sumatran tiger is the only one of three original subspecies of tigers that survives in Indonesia today. Its wild population, estimated to be 400–650 animals, has progressively diminished because of habitat destruction, poaching and the removal of tigers involved in conflicts with local farmers. This paper presents previously undocumented information on the market in tiger products. It shows that, while no documentation of intentional tiger poaching to meet an international demand for tiger bones was recorded, the domestic demand for tiger bones, teeth and claws is still a potential threat to the future survival of this subspecies. In addition to continuing work to protect the integrity of tiger habitat in Sumatra, enforcement actions are required to prevent the domestic market for tiger parts increasing the threats to this subspecies and to ensure its conservation.

Do Androids Pulverize Tiger Bones to Use as Aphrodisiacs?

On Uncompahgre and Red Cloud Peaks in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly is becoming extinct. The Uncompahgre fritillary never should have been there in the first place. The climate was perfectly habitable 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age, but the butterfly failed to retreat with the glaciers and ended up trapped in the mountains, thousands of miles from its proper arctic climate. Facing several consecutive years of warm weather, the butterfly has steadily climbed the mountain in search of cooler climes. Now it has reached the

China agrees to ban use of tiger bones

China agrees to ban use of tiger bones

Part 5: Tiger Bones, fire and wine: Maternity care in a Kampuchean refugee community

Part 5: Tiger Bones, fire and wine: Maternity care in a Kampuchean refugee community

The Tiger's Bones and Other Plays for Children (review)

Reviewed by: The Tiger's Bones and Other Plays for Children Stephen Howard Foreman (bio) The Tiger's Bones and Other Plays for Children, by Ted Hughes. Illustrated by Alan E. Cober (Viking Press, $5.95). A poet can look at an urn and draw conclusions about the universe; but, a playwright, even a children's playwright, must examine a human being. The playwright has no choice at all. Human flesh and blood, human bones and foibles are the subject matter. The poet can roam the world and write about skylarks, pleasure domes, daffodils, wrecked statues. At bottom, of course, both playwright and poet are concerned with the existence of a very naked ape, but the poet can use other objects, other forms of life, to learn about this creature. The playwright must use the creature itself, one specific creature, a creature which, at the end of the play, might well be seen to stand for all creatures of its kind, but during the play, stands only for itself. Because of the very special demands involved in constructing a play (one is a playwright, but not a poemwright or novelwright, etc.), it is simply not enough to be a good writer, not enough to be a sensitive and thoughtful poet, not enough to have a "significant" message handed down to an audience from a mountaintop upstage center. One must know how to put a play together. And Ted Hughes does not. His words are often lovely; but, with rare exception, his characters show little growth; and, with no exception, his plots are gratuitous. Something happens, not because the events worked out that way, but because it seemed like a good idea at the time, as if one were free to develop a children's play by tossing in whatever the fancy pumps up. Even in children's theatre, where fantasy can have a different kind of run, the work needs to develop organically from end to end, one step following the next, not one step left out. But, in this collection of ex-radio plays, there are tremendous gaps. The plays begin and end, but lack a middle. Sometimes, as in The Tiger's Bones, there seem to be two different plays. We know much more about the peripheral characters in Beauty and the [End Page 210] Beast than the central ones, so love and transformation become a mere change of costume. A wonderfully bizarre devil enters mid-way through Sean, the Fool, the Devil, and the Cats for a three-page monologue, then we never see him again. It's no wonder. The monologue is, essentially, narrative. In three pages, we never see this devil act on anything or with anyone. His being there affects nothing. He simply talks himself out of the play. Hughes' promiscuous use of a narrator, in one guise or another, in every single play, is like hunting hummingbirds with a howitzer. It might be fine for radio; but, on stage, the play is blown away. It would be so simple to convert just about every narrative passage into a real scene. In Story Theatre, the narrator is actually a part of the drama, weaving in and out of every scene, totally and actively involved (somewhat like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, to choose another style). Language is dialogue, a part of the dramatic process, but never used for its own sake. One of the ironies of theatre is that beautiful words, unless they are an integral part of the entire theatrical package, can ground a play as surely as pig-iron. Mr. Hughes makes the mistake of telling us practically everything, including the message; and, in case the slower children don't get it, he'll often tell it again. His words do all the work. Either he doesn't trust the machinery of the stage, or he doesn't know how to use it, for theatre becomes poetry only when every one of its elements actively combines to form the image, not otherwise. Pure poetry is filet mignon; theatre is poetry on the hoof. Ted Hughes must be given credit for attempting to create intelligent, imaginative and gutsy plays for children. Though...