Science Daily: Tigers Roar Back: Great News for Big Cats in Key Areas

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With only 3,200 tigers remaining in the wild, a new survey shows that there could be more.  This is good news, and hopefully 2013 will be a good year for tigers and other endangered wildlife.

Check out the link above, and also check out how you can help fight against tiger poaching.

Happy Friday All!

Camera trap catches intruders in Lazovsky Nature Reserve. (Photo: Zoological Society of London)

Thirty camera traps have been set in two Russian far east protected areas: Lazovsky Nature Reserve and Zov Tigra National Park, home to at most twenty Amur tigers.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are down to around 360 animals and listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Poaching for traditional Chinese medicine remains the most pressing concern but the Amur is also imperiled by habitat loss, prey decline, low genetic diversity, and human-tiger conflict.

Poached Amur tiger. (Photo: ZSL)

Scientists believe poachers may have killed as many as seven tigers in the last five years. In the last twelve months authorities have confiscated tiger parts in three different operations.

In 2010 Russia hosted a tiger summit with all 13 tiger range countries. The meeting ended with an ambitious pledged to double the number of wild tigers in the world by 2022. Amur tigers represent around 10 percent of the total wild population. Already three tiger subspecies have vanished forever.

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Source: Mongabay

Antoine-Louis Barye (September 24, 1796 – June 25, 1875)

Since the start of the 20th Century, the world’s population of wild tigers has dropped by 97%; from an estimated 100,000 to approximately 3,000 individuals. The world’s remaining tigers are being pushed into small spaces, and being able to share that space with humans is a critical survival skill.

At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the Terai region, which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal. It has a particularly rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger.

The big cats generally move around at all times of the day and night, to monitor territory, mate and hunt. Neil Carter, from Michigan State University, spent two seasons setting motion-detecting camera traps for tigers and people who walk the roads and trails of Chitwan, both in and around the park. His analysis of the thousands of images show that people and tigers are walking the same paths, albeit at different times of the day.

The cameras documented a pronounced transition towards nocturnal activity in the tigers. “Tigers need to use the same space as people if they are to have a viable long-term future. What we’re learning in Chitwan is that tigers seem to be adapting to make it work.”

In order to avoid their human neighbours–tigers in Nepal seem to be taking the night shift.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19464751

Illegal trade in tiger parts has  led to more than 1,000 wild tigers being killed over the past decade.

Conservationists also point to China’s “tiger farms” as a threat to the wild  animals because, they say, it perpetuates a market into which wild tiger parts  can be sold, often commanding a higher value as products made from wild animals  are perceived to be more “potent”.
Although China does not officially permit the sale of goods from these farms,  in practice–several investigations have revealed–tiger parts are being sold.

Data shows that the trade continues “unabated despite considerable and  repeated efforts to curtail it on the part of tiger range and consumer  countries, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs”.

“To save tigers in the wild, concerted action is needed to reduce the demand  for tiger parts altogether in key countries in Asia.”
Enforcement efforts to date, “display a lack of  political will among those responsible at national and international levels”.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11718648

Last year it was reported that Maharashtra had a population of approximately 169 tigers.  Given the precarious state of big cats in India (and elsewhere), more aggressive steps are needed to protect them.  All the more reason for India to support rights of nature in its constitution.

A 2011 census counted just 1,706 tigers in the wild in India.

Read more from The Guardian about this latest effort to protect India’s tigers and other species:

Indian state to let forest guards shoot poachers on sight

Associated Press

A western Indian state has declared war on animal poaching, allowing forest guards to shoot hunters on sight to curb attacks on tigers, elephants and other wildlife.

The government in Maharashtra says injuring or killing suspected poachers will no longer be considered a crime.

A tiger in India’s Corbett national park. Photograph: AP

Forest guards should not be “booked for human rights violations when they have taken action against poachers”, the Maharashtra forest minister, Patangrao Kadam, said on Tuesday. The state will also send more rangers and jeeps into forests, and will offer secret payments to informers who give tips about poachers and animal smugglers, he said.

India has about half of the world’s estimated 3,200 tigers in dozens of wildlife reserves set up since the 1970s. But illegal poaching remains a serious threat, with tiger parts sought in traditional Chinese medicine fetching high prices on the black market.

According to the Wildlife Protection Society of India, 14 tigers have been killed by poachers in India so far this year – one more than for all of 2011. The tiger is considered endangered, with its habitat range shrinking more than 50% in the last quarter-century and its numbers declining rapidly from the 5,000-7,000 estimated in the 1990s, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Eight of this year’s tiger poaching deaths in India occurred in Maharashtra, including one whose body was found last week chopped into pieces with its head and paws missing in Tadoba tiger reserve. Forest officials have also found traps in the reserve, where about 40 tigers live.

Tiger parts used in traditional Chinese medicine are prized on the black market, but dozens of other animals are also targeted by hunters across India. Rhinos are prized for their horns and male elephants for their tusks, while other big cats such as leopards are hunted or poisoned by villagers afraid of attacks on their homes or livestock.

Encounters are rare between guards and poachers, who generally hunt the secretive and nocturnal big cats at night, according to Maharashtra’s chief wildlife warden, SWH Naqvi.

“We hardly ever come face-to-face with poachers,” he said on Wednesday, predicting few instances when guards might fire at suspects.

Instead, he predicted that the state’s offer to pay informers from a new government fund worth about 5m rupees ($90,000) would be more effective in curbing wildlife crime. “We get very few tips, so this will really help,” Naqvi said.

In other news Rodel, my daughter’s piano teacher, has just reported that one of his other pupils had a tiger skin complete with head and gaping mouth on the floor in the living room. A vulgar thing – an heirloom.  The maid owns a cockatoo. While the owners were away on holiday the cockatoo ate the entire tiger hide. It left the head and two ankle flaps unmolested.

Indonesia
3 men arrested and charged with wildlife smuggling

On July 4, 2011, the Maritime Division of the Bali Police seized 18 live green sea turtles, with an estimated black market value of Rp 90,000,000 (USD 10,591), which were attempted to be smuggled onto a beach at Tanjung Benoa Bay in Bali. 3 men were arrested and charged with wildlife smuggling, facing up to 5 years in prison and fines totaling Rp 100,000,000 (USD 11, 700). 16 turtles were released back into the sea while 2 turtles were sent to the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA)’s turtle conservation center on Serangan Island, where they will be used as evidence against the alleged smugglers. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/sea-turtle-smugglers-hooked-in-bali/450818

Seized 2,112 kg. of pangolin meat in Jakarta Airport

On July 10, 2011, Customs officers at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport seized 2,112 kg. of pangolin (Manis javanica) meat (1,732 kg.) and scales (380 kg.), destined for Singapore. Officials estimate the combined value of the seizure to be Rp 2.3 billion (USD 270,000). http://www.bcsoetta.net/index.php/berita/index/75

Wildlife confiscated in Papua Province

On 21 July, 2011, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency of Indonesia seized 18 protected echidnas Zaglossus or tachyglossus spp, 2 Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota variegata), 3 Amethyst Pythons (Morelia amethistina), 2 Frilled lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) and 6 monitor lizards (Varanus spp.), attempted to be smuggled by a known Indonesian wildlife dealer out of Papua Province to Jakarta. http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/7/27/live-animals-seized-en-route-to-jakarta.html

Malaysia
Sarawak Marine Operations Force confiscated 200 logs

In July of 2011, the Sarawak Marine Operations Force confiscated 200 logs and seized a vessel at Rejang River in Sibu – all worth a total RM 458,000. http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/19/marine-cops-seize-372-logs-worth-rm186000/

405 African elephant tusks seized in Malaysian Port

On 8 July 2011, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Customs Department seized a container of 405 African elephant tusks declred as plywood at the Pasir Gudang Port, Johor. http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/9/5/large-ivory-seizure-in-malaysia-the-third-in-past-three-mont.html

Myanmar
357 elephant skin viss, and 2 ivory seized in Gwa township

On July 17, 2011, the Forest Department, Police Force and Immigration Department Staff confiscated 357 elephant skin viss, and 2 ivory with 18 inches and base circumference of 6 inches, in a checkpoin in Gwa township, Rakhine State. Action will be taken under 37(A) of the PWPA (1994).

50 heads of red whiskered bulbuls confiscated in Eastern Shan
On July 17, 2011, Myanmar authorities seized 50 heads of red whiskered bulbuls carried by motorbike in Kyaing Tong, Eastern Shan state. Action will be taken under 31 and 25 (A) of the PWPA (1994) law.

Philippines
Prosecution of 25 Chinese nationals caught poaching in Tubbataha Reef

On July 4, 2011, the Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the prosecution of 25 Chinese nationals caught poaching within Philippine territory, particularly in the Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea near the province of Palawan. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/12/11/ca-orders-prosecution-chinese-poachers

Thailand
Thai authorities seize wildlife in Chatuchak Market

On July 1, 2011, Thai authorities seized a total of 115 birds, which include 31 Pycnonotus jocosus, 1 Pycnonotus melanicterus, 1 Pycnonotus goiavier, 1 Gracupica contra, 1 Loriculus galgulus, 1 Acridotheres tristis, 1 Garrulax leucolophus, 1 Oriolus xanthornus, 1 unknown bird species, 2 Copsychus saularis, 15 Ploceus hypoxanthus, 9 Sturnus contra, 3 Chalcophaps indica, 1 Crypsirina temia, 16 Lonchura Malacca, and 30 Amandava amandava, in Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand.

4 hds Iguana and 51 scorpions seized at the Suvarnabhumi airport
On 3 July 2011, airport and wildlife checkpoint officers at the Suvarnabhumi airport seized 4 hds Iguana and 51 scorpions, with an estimated value of THB 19,100.00, with one Japanese national arrested.

2 wildlife smugglers arrested in Nong KhaiOn

5 July 2011, personnel from Fao Rai police and Nong Khai officers and NRECD (Natural Resource and Environmental Crime Division) police officers arrested 2 wildlife smugglers near the Fao Rai district in Nong Khai. 800 rat snakes and 173 monitor lizards, worth 211,900 Thai baht (about USD 6,840) were recovered. http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/233420.html

1 man arrested at the Suvarnabhumi airport with reptiles and amphibians

On 11 July 2011, airport and wildlife checkpoing officers at the Suvarnabhumi airport seized 2 star tortoises, 1 lizard and 10 frogs, with an estimated value of 60,000.00 THB, with 1 man arrested.

200 birds seized in Chatuchak Market

On July 12, 2011, Thai authorities seized around 200 birds in Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand.

Iranian man tried to smuggle 41 snakes in a suitcase

On 15 July 2011, Thai officers at the Suvarnabhumi airport arrested one Iranian man trying to smuggle 41 snakes in a suitcase. The snakes, which have a total estimated value of THB 25,800.00 were sent to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for nursery pending release into the wild.

Viet Nam
15 kg. of Ivory seized by Hai Duong provincial authorities

On July 4, 2011, Hai Duong’s Forest Protection Department, in cooperation with provincial police, seized 5 pieces of ivory weighing over 15kg. The case is under investigation by local authorities.

83 Chinese pangolins confiscated in Quang Ninh
On July 8, 2011, Quang Ninh police seized from a car traveling from Bac Ninh province to Mong Cai, Quang Ninh a sack containing 83 Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) weighing a total of 424kg. All the pangolins were transferred to the Forest Protection Department of Tien Yen district.

3 frozen tigers confiscated from a residence in Mong Cai city
On July 16, 2011, Quang Ninh police confiscated 3 frozen tigers from a residence in Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province. The case was transferred to Quang Ninh authorities for prosecution of the owner. http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110730112745.aspx

Yellow-cheeked gibbon and 2 crab-eating macaques confiscated in Ha Noi
On July 21, 2011, a yellow-cheeked gibbon (Hylobates gabriellae) and 2 crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were confiscated from a Ha Noi hotel located in Gia Nghia town of Dak Nong province.

Relevant Wildlife Enforcement News
July 2011

Blind beliefs fuel illicit pet trade
Pet trade is one of the main drivers of illicit trafficking of wildlife in Asia. Markets located in Bangkok and Jakarta attracts smugglers across the globe to trade in exotic pets. Over the last couple of years, attempts to smuggle birds, spiders, lizards, snakes among other species have seen a sharp rise. – http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_blind-beliefs-fuel-illicit-pet-trade_1565387

Debate over forest certification speaks of change, challenges

Change is brewing at one of the world’s most trusted forest monitoring organisations, one that sets standards for forest clearing and certifies wood and paper products as sustainable. – http://www.eco-business.com/features/debate-over-forest-certification-speaks-of-change-challenges/

Animal experts at UN-backed conference are ‘concerned’ about trade in animals and skins

Animal experts from 50 countries meeting at a United Nations-backed conference today expressed concern about the sustainability of current levels of trade in snake skins used in luxury products and another 20 animal species used in biomedical research, the food industry or as pets. – http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39130&Cr=environment&Cr1

China joins regional network to fight animal trafficking

China has joined a network of Southeast Asian nations to help curb the illegal trafficking of wildlife. Regional and international law enforcement efforts to combat animal trafficking have increased amid warnings over the bleak outlook for some endangered species and calls for the arrest of the trade’s leaders. – http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/China-Joins-Regional-Network-to-Fight-Animal-Trafficking-126066013.html

Forest-savers cut wood, kill primates in Borneo: WWF

Participants in a global, landmark effort to save the world’s shrinking forests are instead trading in illegally sourced timber and razing jungles in an area of Borneo inhabited by endangered orangutans, a non-governmental organization (NGO) said. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/07/26/2003509150

Mob Trafficking is killing off our favorite wildlife

With species of plants and animals going extinct at a rate of around one every twenty minutes, you’d think that at least the most famous animals – lions, tigers, rhinos and the like – would receive some sort of protection. Yet that’s nowhere near the case. Sophisticated smuggling operations trading in illegal wildlife parts have been taken over by organized crime, building networks with capabilities far beyond those of enforcement agencies. To put it bluntly, the mob is killing off the world’s favorite animals. – http://motherboard.vice.com/2011/7/27/the-mob-is-killing-off-our-favorite-animals

International workshop on dugong begins in Sarawak

A three-day Southeast Asia regional workshop on the dugong, a protected species under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance, commenced Wednesday with delegates from 11 countries deliberating on the latest efforts to protect the vulnerable marine mammal. – http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/27/nation/20110727170205&sec=nation

Some of last rare tortoises found in smugglers’ bags

Some of the rarest, and most critically endangered, animals on the planet were found inside a box and bags about to be smuggled out of Madagascar, the wildlife monitoring agency TRAFFIC International reported. The 26 ploughshare tortoises were found before they could be shipped out to Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday via Madagascar’s airport. Two men were arrested. – http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43912645/ns/world_news-world_environment/#.Tt8S6VZkEw8

Organized crime is wiping out wildlife

A paper by noted WCS conservationist Elizabeth Bennett says that an immense, increasingly sophisticated illegal trade in wildlife parts conducted by organized crime, coupled with antiquated enforcement methods, are decimating the world’s most beloved species including rhinos, tigers, and elephants on a scale never before seen – http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-crime-wildlife.html http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-07/wcs-oci072711.php http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0727-hance_wildlifecrime_seasia.html

Revealed: how the Vietnamese military fuels destruction of Laos’ forests

Undercover filming by the Environmental Investigation Agency has unearthed shocking evidence of military involvement in the illegal timber trade, all to feed western demand for stylish wood products, according to Faith Doherty – http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/other_comments/995567/revealed_how_the_vietnamese_military_fuels_destruction_of_laos_forests.html

Indonesia
4 Indonesian primate species facing extinction

At least four out of Indonesia’s 40 primate species are in danger of extinction, in large part because they are hunted for their meat, which myths say is a traditional medicine, animal protection group ProFauna Indonesia said Sunday. (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/03/4-indonesian-primate-species-facing-extinction.html)

Former Illegal Logger takes action to protect dwindling borneo forests

Borneo is the third largest island in the world, and is home to the largest surviving tropical forest in Asia. Nevertheless, only half of the original forest-cover remains, and it is shrinking every day due to deforestation. But there’s one man who has vowed to fight back for the preservation of his natural heritage; a man who is perhaps the most unlikely of people to take a stand against deforestation, because this particular man was once an illegal logger. http://greenanswers.com/news/251816/former-illegal-logger-takes-action-protect-dwindling-borneo-forests

PH bares strategy to combat illegal wildlife trade in ASEAN

The Philippines has outlined three steps to take as this year’s chair of ASEAN-Wildlife Enforcement Network (WEN) to further combat illegal cross-border trade of endangered flora and fauna, and increase public awareness of wildlife crime and its impact to reduce consumer demand. – http://www.interaksyon.com/article/9502/ph-bares-strategy-to-combat-illegal-wildlife-trade-in-asean http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/inside-stories/5535-phl-outlines-plans-to-combat-illegal-cross-border-trade-of-endangered-flora-fauna.html

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/227571/pinoyabroad/phl-draws-up-steps-vs-trafficking-of-endangered-species

Saving the wrong rhino in Indonesia?

The slideshow titled “APP: Establishing the Facts” would indeed be laughable if they were not so sad. In the slides on “Investing in Biodiversity,” Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) appears to want to show how innovative it is in the conservation arena by focusing on the Javan rhino. The slides depict photos of wildlife and the Javan Rhino Sanctuary. – http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0729-effendi_commentary_rhino_app.html

New Small Mammals Discovered in Sulawesi

A survey of small mammals from a forest site on the tropical island of Sulawesi, Indonesia (pictured at left) has turned up between two and four shrew species believed to be new to science. Although more DNA testing is needed to determine exactly how many separate species the new shrews constitute, the discovery is a reminder of how much still remains to be learned about wildlife in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. – http://greenanswers.com/news/254277/new-small-mammals-discovered-sulawesi

Laos
Bile trade rife despite ban

Laos is an emerging market in the trade of bear bile, prized for its purported medicinal value. – http://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/bear-07272011144115.html

Malaysia
Going gaga over Tokays

NO REPTILE has become more hunted than the Tokay gecko since Bujang Senang the crocodile. – http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/7/15/central/9081744&sec=central

Sarawak Plan To Gazette Kuala Lawas As National Park

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=604421

WWF: Wrestle the poachers

There is a desperate need to heighten enforcement efforts against rampant poaching at the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex (BTFC) before tigers and other endangered animals are lost forever. – http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/30/nation/9202364&sec=nation

Board says Turtle Eggs sold in Terengganu Markets not from the State

The Terengganu State Government has gazetted stretches of beach in Rantau Abang in Dungun, Ma Daerah and Geliga in Kemaman, Pulau Perhentian (Pantai Tanjung Tukas, Pasir Tiga Ruang, Pasir Pinang Seribu and Pantai Tanjung Guntung) and Pulau Redang (Pantai Cagar Hutang, Pantai Mat Kepit, Pantai Mak Simpan, Pantai Pasir Bujang and Pantai Che Keling) as turtle conservation areas. http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=603950

Philipines
Jail warning to save Philippine geckos

Geckos in the Philippines are under increasing threat as demand intensifies from the Asia-wide alternative medicine trade that ravaged lizard numbers in neighboring Malaysia, the government said Wednesday. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5782/jail-warning-to-save-philippine-geckos

Poachers go ‘loco’ over geckos

To the superstitious, their nocturnal sounds inspire spooky tales and talk of bad omen. But to the enterprising, they are like the irresistible “ka-ching” of the cash register. http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20110714-289092.html

Thailand
Tiger Poacher, Via Phone, is Witness for His Own Prosecution

When a wildlife conservation patrol in Thailand’s Western Forest Province surprised some poachers, a pile of abandoned gear, particularly a cell phone, provided evidence of their crime: – http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/tiger-poacher-via-phone-is-witness-for-his-own-prosecution/

Thai hookers ‘paid to smuggle S.African rhino horns’

A Thai man hired prostitutes to smuggle poached rhino horns disguised as legal hunting trophies from South Africa to supply the Asian black market, media said Friday. – http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gqZtixBJcP9mgdiXvIOOOZ4tH0eQ?docId=CNG.9917d443fadc07586017a75a3b0a0fee.3f1

Sex workers used to ‘hunt’ rhino
An international wildlife trafficking syndicate hired Thai prostitutes and strippers from clubs in Pretoria and Midrand to pose as “hunters” in sham rhino trophy hunts, an explosive statement claims. - http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Sex-workers-used-to-hunt-rhino-20110721

Wild tigers crowding habitats

The number of wild tigers is increasing to the delight of conservationists, but a new problem is now emerging _ their habitats are running out. – http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/249676/wild-tigers-crowding-habitats

The rarest bird in Thailand

Once thought extinct, forests cleared for palm and rubber with mass tourism are now pushing this bird to final extinction. – http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/248750/the-rarest-bird-in-thailand

Viet Nam
Viet Nam celebrates the second annual Global Tiger Day

Today with a number of public awareness raising events and workshops aimed to support Tiger conservation and call for an end to the illegal Tiger trade. http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/7/29/viet-nam-earns-its-stripes-for-global-tiger-day.html

Weak enforcement allows tiger trade to flourish
Ten days before the world observes International Tiger Day (July 29) the frozen carcasses of three big cats were seized from a house in northern Vietnam. – http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110730112745.aspx

Disclaimer:

ASEAN-WEN is not responsible for the authenticity of the content of external media sites. Above news items are compiled from media reports and are meant for information only. They do not represent policies, official views or statements of the ASEAN-WEN, its Secretariat (PCU) or ASEAN governments and their agencies.

Copyright (C) 2011 ASEAN-WEN All rights reserved.

The locals eat or use some of the slain but the principle intended consumer of many of these hapless animals remains China. You probably knew that. If you missed my Hugh Paxton blog Post China Syndrome, check it. Thoroughly revolting. As well as a health hazard.

Subject: News Round-Up: Wildlife Law Enforcement Actions and Relevant News in the Southeast Asian region, July 2011

BLOG ED NOTE: Whoops! Run into a few technical difficulties on this one! Will post the story as soon as I’ve learned how to use a computer. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible!

 EIA’s personal letter highlights gap between promises and actions

The Environmental Investigation Agency has written a personal letter to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to warn him that significant failings within a key state department in China are making a mockery of his pledge to “vigorously combat poaching, trade and smuggling of tiger products”.

Photo credit: WWF-Indonesia

At last November’s Global Tiger Forum in St Petersburg, five leaders of Tiger Range Countries – including Wen Jiabao – talked of the vital need to work together to save the tiger and end the trade in tiger body parts and derivatives, vowing to double the world’s wild tiger population by 2022.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao (photo credit: Dmitry Lovetsky/AP)

But at a series of meetings in New Delhi in late March, widely viewed as the first opportunity to monitor actual progress behind the promises, a senior member of China’s State Forestry Administration (SFA) revealed a quite staggering level of complacency, raising serious doubts about the depth of the country’s commitment:

• China admitted it relies heavily on information provided by NGOs to monitor the illegal trade in tiger skin, bone and derivatives, instead of proactively generating intelligence on the trade itself;

• The delegate responsible for law enforcement claimed to be unaware of any seizures, arrests or prosecutions resulting from formal inspections of tiger farms and markets between August and December 2010, further implying a poor grasp of intelligence on the trade;

• China appears to have gone ahead with a 2007 scheme to register, label and sell skins of ‘legal origin’, including those of farmed tigers, despite earlier statements claiming they would not re-open domestic trade in tigers parts.

In her letter to Wen Jiabao, Debbie Banks, EIA Head of Tiger Campaign, warns the Prime Minister that a lack of urgency and conflicting policies are gravely undermining China’s efforts and urges him to hand responsibility for investigating tiger and other wildlife trade to a dedicated full-time unit of police investigators, and to work directly with the SFA to improve its response and engagement in enforcing wildlife crime and the illegal tiger trade in all regions of China.

Photo credit: Mekong Waterfront Guard and Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division

She is particularly concerned that pushing ahead with the 2007 skin registration scheme implies that tiger and leopard skins from ‘legal origins’, including those from captive-bred tigers, can be registered, labelled and sold – effectively re-opening the trade in tiger products at a time when the rest of the world is trying to end it.

Photo credit: D. Champaign

In the letter, Banks tell the Prime Minister: “EIA believes that any market for tiger products from captive tigers would endanger the wild tiger and would work against the policy you articulated in St Petersburg, at which you declared every country should vigorously combat the trade in tiger parts.

Photo credit: CJ Varun Gupta

“The policies of the SFA also appear to undermine China’s commitments under CITES Decision 14.69 which states that tigers should not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives.”

Emaciated tiger at China’s Xiongshen tiger farm (photo via dailymail.co.uk)

Banks added that the time is long overdue for Wen Jiabao to send a single and definitive message to the Chinese public and tiger farmers, confirming a policy of zero tolerance regarding the illegal trade in tiger parts and forbidding all trade in all parts of tigers, including those from farmed tigers.

Tiger Bone Wine

Interviews are available on request: please contact Alasdair Cameron, at alasdaircameron@eia-international.org or telephone 020 7354 7960.

EDITORS’ NOTES

1. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is a UK-based Non Governmental Organisation and charitable trust (registered charity number 1040615) that investigates and campaigns against a wide range of environmental crimes, including illegal wildlife trade, illegal logging, hazardous waste, and trade in climate and ozone-altering chemicals.

2. The EIA report Enforcement not Extinction: Zero Tolerance on Tiger Trade outlines EIA’s recommendations for urgent actions to reverse the tiger’s decline http://www.eia-international.org/cgi/reports/reports.cgi?t=template&a=210

3. EIA has written to China seeking clarification over the 2007 skin registration scheme and raised questions about it from the floor at UN meetings, but China has failed to respond.

4. The International Tiger Forum in St Petersburg resulted in the adoption of the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) http://www.globaltigerinitiative.org/download/St_Petersburg/GTRP_Nov11_Final_Version_Eng.pdf

5. The meeting in Delhi was the first to review implementation of the GTRP. Each Tiger Range Country (TRC) provided a report on their recent completed actions and their ‘to do’ list to December 2011. China’s official list included reference to completing a series of inspections of farms and markets in August to December 2010, and to the skin labelling system.

Environmental Investigation Agency

62-63 Upper Street

London N1 0NY

UK

http://www.eia-international.org

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Indonesia Investigation by BKSDA leads to arrest and seizure of wildlife The Natural Resource Conservation Agency in Riau and West Sumatra Province (BKSDA), with support from WWF Indonesia’s Tiger Protection Unit, arrested a suspected tiger smuggler in West Sumatra, Indonesia, following a 3-day investigation. The arrest also resulted in the seizure of the skin of an adult male tiger, a live python, and body parts of a Serow and muntjac (barking deer). WWF, 11 March 2011 (http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?199594/Suspected-tiger-smuggler-arrested-following–WWF-BKSDA-investigation)

2 Kuwaitis arrested and 40 pythons seized in Jakarta airport Indonesian airport officials in Jakarta foiled an attempt by 2 Kuwaitis to smuggle 40 pythons in their luggage to Dubai. The 2 were arrested and could face up to 7 years in jail and a fine of USD32,000.00 upon conviction of smuggling wildlife. AFP, 25 March 2011 (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gws0qlR5plzQOJkbTZ79pWrCq-EQ?docId=CNG.8b848330a828f444a4c88f66180c8ffa.111%202.) Fly.co.uk, 28 March 2011 (http://www.fly.co.uk/news/2-men-arrested-at-soekarno%E2%80%93hatta-international-airport-for-smuggling-40-snakes-1983632.html)

Malaysia Perhilitan Pahang seize various wildlife meat and parts; Restaurant owner to face charges under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 On March 15, 2011, officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Pahang seized around 17 kilos of common barking deer meat, 2 skinned mouse deer, 54 Argus pheasant feathers, a White-breasted waterhen and several pieces of dried tiger parts. The restaurant owner, a second-time offender, could face RM600,000.00 in fines and time in jail for illegal possession of said wildlife meat and parts under the Malaysia Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. National Geographic Daily News, 16 March 2011 (http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/16/tiger_parts_seized_in_restaurant_raid/) Daily Independent, 23 March 2011 (http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=30884) Wild boar meat confiscated by Perhilitan Pahang The Perhilitan Pahang seized in March wild boar meat from 2 houses in the town of Triang. 2 local men and a woman are expected to be charged for possession of the meat without a license. National Geographic Daily News, 16 March 2011 (http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/16/tiger_parts_seized_in_restaurant_raid/) Daily Independent, 23 March 2011 (http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=30884)

1 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and 2 Blue-crowned Hanging-parrots seized in Janda Baik It was reported on March 15, 2011 that the Perhilitan Pahang seized in February a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and 2 Blue-crowned Hanging-parrots from a man in the town of Janda Baik. National Geographic Daily News, 16 March 2011 (http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/16/tiger_parts_seized_in_restaurant_raid/) Daily Independent, 23 March 2011 (http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=30884)

5 Arrested for possession of 2 kilos of pangolin meat and scales On March 23, 2011, the Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks rangers arrested 4 Vietnamese and 1 Cambodian for possessing 2 kilos of pangolin meat and scales. Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, the offenders can be fined not more than RM100,000, or jailed not more than 3 years, or both. Bernama.com, 24 March 2011 (http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=573484)

Philippines Truckload of corals seized in Lapu-Lapu City by Central Visayas operatives On March 10, 2011, the Central Visayas operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) seized a truckload of corals abandoned in barangay Punta Engano in Lapu-Lapu City. It was reported that a charge of dereliction of duty would be filed against Punta Engano barangay officials for failing to detect illegally harvested corals in the area. Inquirer, 10 March 2011 (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20110310-324523/Seized-corals-point-to-Punta-Engao-officials)

6 Chinese poachers arrested in Balabac, Palawan; 7 live turtles and 2 dead turtles recovered Philippine authorities arrested 6 Chinese poachers who were caught poaching in a reef area near the coastline of Balabac, Palawan. 7 live sea turtles and 2 dead marine turtles were recovered. Inquirer, 25 March 2011 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20110325-327567/Six-Chinese-poachers-nabbed-in-Palawan)

Thailand Royal Thai Police arrests 2 suspected major ivory dealers On March 29, 2011, the Royal Thai Police raided and searched 2 underground carving factories and depots, which resulted in the seizure of an undisclosed amount of ivory, including large pieces of African elephant tusks, hippo incisors and other bones. The operation also led to the arrest of 2 Thai citizens associated with the factories. The 2 suspects face charges under various laws including Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Preservation Act B.E. 2535. FREELAND Foundation, 30 March 2011 (http://freeland.org/eng/news/press-release/231-suspected-major-ivory-dealer-nabbed-in-thailand-police-bust-traffickers-and-illegal-carving-factories)

Viet Nam 2 northern white-cheeked gibbons seized in Binh Duong Through the cooperation of the provincial Environmental Police and FPD, 2 northern white-cheeked gibbons (Hylobates concolor leucogennys) were rescued from a private business establishment in Binh Duong. The owner could not present any certificate of origin for the animals, which are listed as a rare species in group IB of Decree 32/ND-CP – a group of wild animals forbidden to be exploited or used for commercial purposes. Education for Nature – Vietnam, 2 March, 2011, (http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_406/Binh%20Duong-Seizure-of-two-northern-white-cheeked-gibbons.html)

Nghe An Environmental Police seize a total of 193kg. of wildlife On March 7, 2011, Nghe An Environmental Police seized a shipment containing 17kg. of porcupines, 9kg. of monitor lizards and 167kg. of turtles, being transported in a van that was registered in Laos, and planned to be sold in Dien Chau district of Nghe An province.

Education for Nature – Vietnam Newsletter (April 2011) 1 Asiatic black bear cub seized by Viet Nam authorities On March 7, 2011, cooperation between the Police and the Sy Kon district FPD resulted in the seizure of an Asiatic black bear cub (Selenarctos thibetanus), weighing approximately 2kg., while being transported in a bus from Laos. The suspect was temporarily detained by authorities. Education for Nature – Vietnam News Brief, 17 March 2011 (http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_408/E_408.html)

1 Northern white-cheeked gibbon confiscated in Ho Chi Minh City On March 10, 2011, local police in Ho Chi Minh City confiscated a northern white-cheeked gibbon (Hylobates concolor leucogennys) from a local resident. The gibbon was transferred to the Cu Chi Rescue Center. Education for Nature – Vietnam Newsletter (April 2011) 2 Asiatic black bear cubs confiscated by Kon Tum FPD On March 14, 2011, Kon Tum FPD confiscated 2 Asiatic black bear cubs (Selenarctos thibetanus) from local residents. The bears were transferred to the Tam Dao Bear Sanctuary. Education for Nature – Vietnam Newsletter (April 2011) Suspect in Van Ninh fined for illegal possession of various wildlife seized by the local Van Ninh FPD The local Van Ninh FPD seized 4 monitor lizards (Varanus sp.), 2 brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus), 2 turtles, 35 snakes, and 3 civets illegally stored at a residence in Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa province. The suspect received an administrative fine.

Education for Nature – Vietnam News Brief, 25 March 2011 (http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_409/E_409.html) 3 King Cobras seized by Hanoi authorities Hanoi authorities seized a sack containing 3 King Cobras (Ophiophagus Hannah), weighing a total of 27kg., inside a car. The snakes were purchased by the owner in Lao Cai province to sell in Hanoi. King cobras, being under group IB of Decree 32/ND-CP, are forbidden to be in captivity, hunted, traded or killed.

Education for Nature – Vietnam News Brief, 31 March 2011 (http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_410/E_410.html) Binh Duong courts sentence 15 suspects involved in illegal selling of tigers Binh Duong courts sentenced Mr. Huynh Van Hai, owner of the Than Canh Tourism Park in Binh Duong province, to 3 years in prison for illegally selling tigers. 14 others, including his son, linked to the illegal activities received sentences ranging from 18 months probation to 30 months in prison. In addition to imprisonment, Hai and 2 others were fined more than VND 1.4 billion (approximately USD70,000.00). Education for Nature – Vietnam, 25 March 2011 (http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_409/Statement-tiger-bust-Thanh-Canh-March-25-2011.pdf) Education for Nature – Vietnam, 26 March 2011 (http://www.envietnam.org/library/Articles%20for%20news%20media%20section/Vietnam-zoo-owner-jailed-for-tiger-sales.html)

Relevant Wildlife Enforcement News March 2011

Brunei Darussalam Brunei Forestry Department to Recruit More Rangers “The Forestry Department, which is currently running short of forest rangers to fully enforce the Sultanate’s Forestry Laws, received a slight boost after a budget has been approved to increase the department’s present number of 13 forest rangers to 20…” Brunei Times, 9 March 2011 (http://www.asean-wen.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286:brunei-forestry-department-to-recruit-more-rangers&catid=46:network-news&Itemid=85)

Brunei Wildlife Department Idea Welcomed “The budget to establish a Wildlife Department that will be responsible for the preservation of the country’s flora and fauna may be proposed next year, said the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources yesterday…” Brunei Times, 9 March 2011 (http://www.asean-wen.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=287:brunei-wildlife-department-idea-welcomed&catid=46:network-news&Itemid=85)

Brunei: “Heart of Borneo won’t hamper development “Although Brunei is committed to the ‘Heart of Borneo’ initiative, it does not mean that certain areas in Brunei are not allowed to be developed, said the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources yesterday…” Brunei Times, 9 March 2011 (http://www.asean-wen.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=288:brunei-heart-of-borneo-wont-hamper-development&catid=46:network-news&Itemid=85)

Indonesia Indonesia’s risky gecko trade “For some small farmers in Indonesia, gecko hunting has become big business…” Aljazeera, 6 March 2011 (http://english.aljazeera.net/video/asia-pacific/2011/03/2011361010222310.html)

Spotted! The elusive Sunda clouded leopard of Sumatra is caught on film for the first time “A rare and elusive big cat discovered just four years ago has been filmed in Sumatra for the first time…” Dailymail.co.uk, 7 March 2011 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1363099/Newest-big-cat-species-Sunda-clouded-leopard-Sumatra-filmed-time.html)

Critically endangered Javan Rhinos and Calves captured on video “Dramatic new video footage of two critically endangered Javan rhinos and their calves was released today by Wordl Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Indonesia’s National Park Authority. The footage, from a motion-activated video camera in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park, is a huge boost to efforts to save this almost extinct species that is threatened by poaching, disease, and the possibility of a tsunami or volcanic eruption…” Vadvert.co.uk, 4 March 2011 (http://www.vadvert.co.uk/science/10353-critically-endangered-javan-rhinos-and-calves-captured-on-video.html)

Komodos hot items on black market: activist “Baby komodo dragons can fetch more than Rp 30 million (USD3,500) on the black market, an animal conservationist says…” Jakarta Globe, 22 March 2011 (http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/komodos-hot-items-on-black-market-activist/430850) The danger of orangutan extinction “The orangutan – or ‘man of the forest’ in Malay – is Asia’s only great ape. It ranks among the world’s most endangered species, confined mostly to the forests of Sumatra and Borneo. For more than four decades, Orangutan have attracted scientists from all over the world, generating a wealth of information on the primate’s behavior, genetics and culture…” Jakarta Post, 23 March 2011 (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/23/the-danger-orangutan-extinction.html)

Myanmar Myanmar to enforce ban on illegal ivory business “Tourists who buy ivory souvenirs in Myanmar risk having them confiscated as part of a crackdown on the often brazen illegal trade, media reported Friday…” Businessweek, 4 March 2011 (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LOCAL02.htm)

Philippines DENR battles invasion of alien creatures “These suckermouth catfish from South America are just one of a growing number of foreign species that are spreading in local waterways and forests, threatening to edge out the country’s indigenous plants and animals…” Inquirer, 10 March 2011 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110310-324480/DENR-battles-invasion-of-alien-creatures)

Local forest turtle getting extinct “No wonder Pong Pagong is rarely seen these days. The Philippine Forest Turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis), commonly found in Palawan, is now among the 25 endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles in the world, with an extremely high risk of getting extinct, international experts said…” Manila Bulletin, 28 March 2011 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311756/local-forest-turtle-getting-extinct)

Singapore Wildlife Reserves Singapore hosts regional workshop on turtle conservation “Turtles are the oldest reptiles left on Earth, with the earliest species found almost 300 million years ago, but many species alive today may not live to see the next century. That is why conservation groups across the world are meeting here this week to discuss pressing plans to ensure their survival in the wild…” PRUrgent, 31 March 2011 (http://www.prurgent.com/2011-03-31/pressrelease160766.htm)

Thailand Reptile and amphibian reporting needs tightening: new study “Wide discrepancies in the numbers of live reptiles and amphibians reported in the pet trade to Thailand indicate misreporting or deliberate violation of international trade rules, according to a paper just published in PLoS One…” Scoop, 31 March 2011 (http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1103/S01079/reptile-and-amphibian-reporting-needs-tightening-new-study.htm)

Viet Nam Turtle in Hanoi escapes would-be rescuers “Rescuers in Vietnam began an urgent effort on Tuesday to capture and treat an old and ailing turtle that lives in a landmark lake in Hanoi and is revered as the city’s spiritual symbol…” The New York Times, 8 March 2011 (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/world/asia/09hanoi.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss)

Animals: source of  three-fourth of infectious diseases “The international experts has warned that animals are the source of nearly three fourth of the infectious disease in humans. The warning was issued at seminar on situation of diseases and wild animals, organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society in Vietnam, the US Agency of International Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development collaboratively…” Topnews.net.nz, 16 March 2011 (http://topnews.net.nz/content/212809-animals-source-three-fourth-infectious-diseases)

Crackdown on bear-bile tours in Vietnam welcomed “The illegality of bear-bile farming in Vietnam has failed to stamp out the practice in the past six years, but a renewed government push to crack down on bear-bile tourism has hope rising at an animal protection organization…” Monsters&Critics, 24 March 2011 (http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1628348.php/Crackdown-on-bear-bile-tours-in-Vietnam-welcomed)

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