Illegal Hunting for Medicinal Trade Poaching for tiger skins has a long history; the magnificent striped

pelt has been in demand for rugs, wall hangings, and fur coats. These are less important now as the market is restricted by trade bans. The poacher's targets today are bones and other parts to meet the demand for pseudomedicinal use in eastern Asia, primarily China, Taiwan, and South Korea, but also in IndoChina. The extent of this demand has yet to be ascertained because very little data exists beyond the evidence of tiger products in pharmacies and markets throughout the region. Chinese authorities have disclosed that, in 1991, exports of tiger bone medicines included 15,079 cartons of tablets, 5,250kg of liquid medicines, and 31,500 bottles of wine. Most of the exports are believed to have been to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, but tiger-based medicines have been found in many parts of the world where there are Chinese communities, including Australia, Europe, and the USA.

China's Growing Demand It can be assumed that within China itself the killing of at least 3,000 tigers as pests in the 1950s and 1960s provided large stocks of bones for medicine factories. Supplies were also likely to have been obtained from poaching of tigers in neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, where protective measures have been non-existent. Only in the late 1980s did reports emerge from Nepal and India of poaching for bones and smuggling to China, an indication that "stocks" were running low in China and that tigers were becoming more difficult to find in Southeast Asia. The best data on the tiger bone trade comes from South Korea, where imports were legal and recorded by customs up to 1993. The statistics show that over six tons of tiger bone were imported between 1975 and 1992, which could represent the equivalent of 500 to 1,000 tigers (using dry bone weights of 10-12kg per tiger). There was a marked increase in imports in 1988, boosting the annual average through 1992 to 577kg (52-96 tigers a year). Prices over the 18-year period averaged US$127 per kg, with a peak of US$250 in 1987. Nearly two-thirds of the imports to South Korea were from Indonesia, with China second at 14 per cent (probably reexports). Other listed suppliers were Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Taiwan. In 1991 and 1992, China supplanted Indonesia as the major supplier, but since it had few tigers the products must have originated in other countries. In 1993, as South Korea prepared to join CITES, the country imported its biggest single haul of tiger bones, 1,783kg, representing between 160 and 300 tigers. The vast majority came from China.

The Genetic Threat Most tiger populations today consist of fewer than 100 individuals and only about 40 per cent of them constitute the breeding population. Inbreeding is inevitable and father-daughter and mother-son matings have been recorded. The balance of the sexes may be distorted by an excess of males or females surviving to maturity, thus increasing the impact of inbreeding. A loss of variability and genetic deterioration follow, with lowered cub production and survival, which may not be apparent until they have reached a level that threatens the population.

India's Tiger Poaching Crisis

Until recently, habitat loss was thought to be the largest single threat to the future of wild tigers in India. It has now been established that the trade in tiger bones, destined for use in Oriental medicine outside India's borders, is posing an even larger threat. Having decimated their own sources, Far Eastern traditional medicine manufacturers are now targeting India for their supply of tiger bones. Poaching of tigers for the traditional Chinese medicine industry started in northern India in the mid-1980's. Investigations carried out in 1993-94, during which a total of 36 tiger skins and 667 kilos (1470 pounds) of tiger bones were seized in northern India, brought to light the severity of the problem. The illegal trade is now widespread and in the hands of ruthless, sophisticated operators, some of whom have top level patronage. There is also evidence that profits from the wildlife trade are increasingly being used to fund armed insurgency in north-east and north-west India. A tiger can be killed for as little as just over a dollar for the cost of poison, or $9 for a steel trap. Much of the tiger poaching is done by tribals who know their forests well. They are usually paid a meager amount (in a case near Kanha Tiger Reserve, in May 1994, a trader paid four poachers $15 each for killing a tiger), their hunting talents and knowledge exploited by greedy traders. It is these traders and the middlemen who make substantial profits from the illegal trade in tiger parts. PENALITIES
If an offence is committed against the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, there is a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment or a fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000 or both. For an offence against a Schedule I or Schedule II (part 2) animal, or for an offence committed within a sanctuary or natural park, there is a mandatory prison term of three years, which may extend to seven years. There is also a mandatory fine of at least Rs. 10,000. For a subsequent offence, the mandatory

prison

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For an offence committed inside the core area of a Tiger Reserve, there is a mandatory prison term of three years, extendable to seven years and a fine of Rs. 50,000 extendable to Rs. 2 lakhs. In case of a subsequent conviction, there is an imprisonment of at least seven years and a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs which may extend to Rs.50lakhs. Despite these penalties, the laws are difficult to enforce and to date, in spite of hundreds of cases, only 16 people have ever been convicted of killing a tiger.

POACHING METHODS Poachers use one of the following methods to kill a wild tiger: Poison - which is usually placed in the carcasses of domestic buffaloes and cows. During the dry, hot summer months small forest pools are also poisoned by poachers, or depressions dug and filled with water for this purpose. There is a sophisticated and well organised supply route operated by the major traders, to distribute poison and collect tiger bones from the remotest villages. . Steel Traps - which are made by nomadic blacksmiths. These traps are immensely strong. In a tiger poaching case near Raipur in 1994, it took six adult men to open a trap. In one area in central India, investigators found that so many steel traps had been set that the villagers were fearful of going into the forest. People have received dreadful injuries from these traps. Electrocution - by tapping 230 volts -11KV overhead electrical wires and laying a live wire on animal tracts. Tiger poaching occurs in all areas where large number of tigers have been recorded. Poaching is particularly prevalent in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Assam. Legal & statutory
Government of India enacted a comprehensive legislation "Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972" with the objective of effectively controlling poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. This has been amended recently (January, 2003) and punishment and penalty for offences under the Act have been made more stringent. Offences pertaining to hunting of endangered species and altering of boundaries of protected areas

For offences relating to wild animals (or their parts and products) included in schedule-I or part II of Schedule- II and those relating to hunting or altering the boundaries of a sanctuary or national park the punishment and penalty have been enhanced, the minimum imprisonment prescribed is three years which may extend to seven years, with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000/-. For a subsequent offence of this nature, the term of imprisonment shall not be less than three years but may extend to seven years with a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000. Also a new section (51 - A) has been inserted in the Act, making certain conditions applicable while granting bail: 'When any person accused of the commission of any offence relating to Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II or offences relating to hunting inside the boundaries of National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary or altering the boundaries of such parks and sanctuaries, is arrested under the provisions of the Act, then not withstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, no such person who had been previously convicted of an offence under this Act shall be released on bail unless (a) The Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity of opposing the release on bail; and (b) Where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the Court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offences and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail". In order to improve the intelligence gathering in wildlife crime, the existing provision for rewarding the informers has been increased from 20% of the fine and composition money respectively to 50% in each case. In addition to this, a reward upto Rs. 10,000/- is also proposed to be given to the informants and others who provide assistance in detection of crime and apprehension of the offender. At present, persons having ownership certificate in respect of Schedule I and Part II animals, can sell or gift such articles. This has been amended with a view to curb illegal trade, and thus no person can now acquire Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II animals, articles or trophies except by way of inheritance (except live elephants). Stringent measures have also been proposed to forfeit the properties of hardcore criminals who have already been convicted in the past for heinous wildlife crimes. These provisions are similar to the provisions of 'Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985'. Provisions have also been made empowering officials to evict encroachments from Protected Areas.

Offences not pertaining to hunting of endangered species

Offences related to trade and commerce in trophies, animals articles etc. derived from certain animals (except chapter V A and section 38J) attracts a term of imprisonment upto three years and/or a fine up to Rs. 25,000/-.

Initiative taken by govt. to save tigers

Wireless communication system and outstation patrol camps have been developed within the tiger reserves, due to which poaching has declined considerably. Fire protection is

effectively done by suitable preventive and control measure Voluntory Village relocation has been done in many reserves, especially from the core, area. In Kanha, Bandipur and Ranthambhore, all the villages have been shifted from the core, and after relocation, the villagers have been provided with alternate agricultural lands and other community benefits. This has resulted in the improvement of the carrying capacity of the habitat. Live stock grazing has been controlled to a great extent in the tiger reserves. Various compensatory developmental works have improved the water regime and the ground and field level vegetations, thereby increasing the animal density. Research data pertaining to vegetational changes are also available from many reserves. In general, the 'restorative management' and 'intense protection' under 'Project Tiger' have saved many of our eco-typical areas from destruction. The area around the buffer is now contemplated as a zone of multiple use, to bring compatibility between the reserves and the neighbouring communities.

How can you get involved in conservation of tigers?

Some of the ways are:

a) Designing material: Use your creativity and imagination to spread the word for tiger conservation. Help us design:

Posters Banners Wallpapers Screensavers Make short films Animated videos Original background tracks for videos b) Raising awareness amongst students The youth of today is the future of tomorrow. You can help us brighten our future by spreading awareness in schools and colleges. Form societies/nature clubs to support tiger conservation and organize talks/programs to spread the message further. Contact us and we will be glad to help you with the creative content you need to take your zeal forward. c) Short papers/articles on wildlife

If you have a flair for writing and deep interest in wildlife and environment related issues, choose a theme for your article from the below mentioned topics:

Personal experiences with tigers. Tourism for tigers- Does it work? Building local support for tiger conservation. Building political support for tiger conservation.(With a word limit of 1,000 words) Your article can be published on the WWF-India website or in the Panda magazine depending on the quality and content of your writing. You will be given assistance in editing the article or any information you need for the content. d) Assist in nature education activities & camps Discover and appreciate the wonders of nature by helping our various state offices conduct nature camps and other nature education activities. These camps and activities strive towards sensitizing individuals towards nature conservation and environmental protection. e) Work with local communities/in the field If you wish to work for tiger conservation on the grassroots level, you can help us with our activities in the various landscapes. This requires higher time commitment and flexibility to travel.

What you can do to save the tiger? Here are some practical steps you can take to help save the tiger:
Spread the word: Tell others that the tiger and its habitat are under threat and that they need our help. You can form forums (or join existing ones) on the web for discussions and exchange views on tiger conservation. Schools can become members of WWF-Indias NCI (Nature Club of India) and reach out to children. WWF-India can help you in this regard. Be a responsible tourist: The wilderness is to be experienced and not to be disturbed and polluted. Follow the forest department guidelines when visiting any wilderness area, tiger reserve in particular. As the saying goes Dont leave anything behind except foot steps, and dont take anything except memories. Voice your concerns with the policy makers: If you are really concerned and feel that more needs to be done for tiger conservation, then write polite letters to the decision makers - the Prime Minister, the Minister for Environment and Forests or even your local MP.

Help prevent wildlife trade: Say NO to tiger trade by refusing to buy tiger parts and items prepared from tiger derivatives. Speak to tiger and wild ungulate poachers and persuade them to give up poaching. If you know of any information on poaching or trade of illegal wildlife, inform the local law enforcement agencies. You can also contact TRAFFIC- an organisation fighting the powerful poachers and pass on the information to them. Reducing pressure on natural resources: By reducing the use of products derived from forests, such as timber and paper.

How can u help?

Illegal trade in tiger parts needs to be stopped. There are numerous ways you can help save tigers :Stop Using Tiger Parts: Avoid tiger bone handicrafts, medicines and other tiger products to save the tiger. Stay Informed: The more aware you are of the status of tiger the more effective you will be in helping to save it. You can stay informed through the magazines, internet, current journals and the media. Take Action & Create Awareness : There are numerous things you can do to increase the level of awareness.

For example you might: Organize an event that educates the public about tigers Research products you consume to ensure they don't contain tiger parts. Write letters to the editor of a newspaper Write letters/petitions to your community leaders

Why should we save the Tiger? Our survival is dependent on the natural environment as it provides us with clean air, food and water. Tigers are at the apex of the food pyramid and are indicators of a healthy environment. The Web of Life: all things in nature, including humans, are interrelated - changing any component of the web will impact others. In saving the tiger we are protecting the entire ecosystem and all its inhabitants.

It is imperative that we safeguard umbrella species like the tiger as this is directly linked to our own future

How can you help save tigers?

For one thing, don`t buy tiger products like tiger fur or teeth because people kill tigers to sell these products. Also, help protect the environment, because if we don`t stop hurting the environment, the only tigers left in the world would be in captivity. By not cutting trees of the forests and when we see people cutting trees we should stop them. Go to tiger saving sites and donate money so they can make new captivity sites for them to live in and so they can breed them. Also for taking in injured tigers to rehabilitate them so they can release them back into the wild.

Saving tiger-saving mankind Also forest catch and help store rainwater and protect soil.in this way we protect our rivers and recharge ground water resources .araes which less trees lead to floods killing people and destroying homes. It take aways the precious soil leaving behind waste land.the soil james up our lakes & dams , reducing the tigers home we not only harm tigers, but also our selves

PRESS RELEASE Release of : (i) Detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) (ii) Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves 28th July, 2011, New Delhi, India: The detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) alongwith the outcome of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves were released today. (i) Detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) A detailed report on the 2010 assessment relating to status of tigers, co-predators and their prey is a sequel to the outcome released in March this year. This study reports a countrywide increase of 20% in tiger numbers in 2010 with an estimated number of 1706 (1520-1909). The 2006 estimation was 1411 (1165 1657) tigers. This country level assessment is done once in every four years, and is a collaborative initiative between the NTCA, WII, tiger States and outside expertise. There is a decline of 12.6% in tiger

occupancy from connecting habitats. This has happened in peripheral and dispersal areas having low densities outside tiger reserves and tiger source populations. The increase in tiger numbers is due to the fact that tiger populations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown an increase in tiger density. The inclusion of Sunderbans, some portions of North East and parts of Maharashtra have also contributed to the increase. The methodology consisted of a double sampling approach Phase I by Forest departments generate indices of abundance, Phase II Remotely sensed information on landscape characteristics in a GIS, Phase III research biologists sample areas with remote cameras and modern technology to determine tiger abundance. There has been an unprecedented effort of about 477,000 man days by forest staff, and 37,000 man days by professional biologists. A total effort of 81,409 trap nights yielded photo-captures of 635 unique tiger from a total camera trapped area of 11,192 km2 over 29 sites..