INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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Rhinos and tigers are both endangered in the wild
China has
said it is postponing its easing of a ban on the trade of tiger bones and rhino horn, following a wave of protests from environmental
groups.Rhinos and tigers are both endangered in the wild and China had prohibited their trade in 1993.But in late October, it announced it
would permit the animal parts to be used for scientific, medical and cultural purposes.Officials have now said the move was "postponed after
study".Tiger and rhino parts are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine
They are prescribed to treat a large variety of ailments including fever, gout, insomnia and meningitis, though any benefits have not been
proven.The "detailed regulations for implementation" of the change had been "postponed after study", said State Council Executive Deputy
Secretary-General Ding Xuedong in a statement
Mr Ding did not give a reason for the postponement or say how long it might last, but said that in the meantime, the old ban would remain in
"The Chinese government has long been dedicated to the cause of wildlife protection and has made achievements recognised by the world," he
said.In a statement on 29 October, China's state council said it would allow powdered forms of rhino horn and bones from dead tigers to be
used in "qualified hospitals by qualified doctors".Conservation groups reacted with outrage
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said it would have "devastating consequences"
WWF said the new development "signalled a positive response to international reaction"."Allowing trade from even captive animals could have
had devastating impacts on wild rhino and tiger populations," it said in a statement."It is important to send a strong message that the
value of wild populations of tigers and rhinos is much greater than the value of their parts."
