Tigers were heavily hunted in the turn of the century for the use of their body parts for traditional Chinese medicines. The Soviet Union outlawed poaching tigers but the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, left Russia with no regulations on poaching them. Poachers went on a hunting binge until 1992 when Russia founded the Siberian Tiger Project. It is estimated that 240 tigers were killed between 89-92 before poaching them was outlawed by the new Russian government. (7) The poaching of tigers increased so rapidly because every tiger killed could be sold in China for $50,000 (7). In Russia, there are laws that prohibit the hunting and killing of a tiger. The area where the tigers are found is bigger than just eastern Russia and extends into its neighboring countries; China and North Korea (5). Soon after Russia took action in deferring poachers, China outlawed the use of any tiger parts for medicine in 1993 (3,7). Operation Amba in Russia is also doing a great job in protecting and preventing the hunting of these majestic animals. This organization works with the Russian government to enforce laws and spread the awareness of siberian tigers as a disappearing species. (7,5) There is a reported 450-900 tigers living freely in the wild, and numbers are only increasing. (1,2,3,4,5,7) In captivity, around the world tigers are being bread and some will be released back into the wild (1,2,3,4,5,7). China is the leader of releasing animals back into the wild, a center in china has bred and plans to release 620 tigers back into the wild. This would double the tigers living in the wild and double their chances of survival. (7)
Does North Korea have any laws against poaching tigers?
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that the poaching is being stopped. This organization seems very active in saving the tigers. I'm glad the government decided to enact laws.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like he's eating the guys head. Ha-ha.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad they have the whole poaching ordeal under control. Fining will definitely make people stop poaching, especially if they have to pay for doing it, large sums of money at that. I didn’t know their body parts were used for traditional Chinese medicines. I find that interesting, that they would risk their lives with such a big cat.
Very interesting.....
So do you think the tigers have a chance for revival?
ReplyDeleteDo the tigers ever face any problems being let back into the wild after having been in captivity. I feel like they would be less aggressive and may be attacked by another preditor
ReplyDeleteHailey - My research efforts did not find North Korea as having any laws about hunting tigers.
ReplyDeleteMarisa - Yes i do believe tigers have a very strong chance in surviving.
ReplyDeleteAlex- Felines tend to have a very strong innate sense of hunting and natural agression. I do not think they will be any less agressive in general. Maybe tigers that were bred in captivity will show less agression toward humans specifically due to their history.