Illegal Trade from Tiger Farms Threatens Wild Tiger Conservation
Summary
Illegal trade from tiger farms is undermining efforts to conserve wild tigers, even as global tiger numbers have recovered to about 5,700. Conservation groups are urging stricter monitoring, transparency, and DNA-based tracking systems at the CITES meeting in Geneva.
Key Points
- Conservationists say tiger farms kept in captivity can become channels for illegal trade in tiger parts and products.
- At the 81st CITES Standing Committee meeting in Geneva, NGOs have called for stronger regulation, transparency, and regular reporting.
- Only six countries have so far submitted details on how they monitor tiger-breeding or tiger-keeping centers.
- Experts and organizations including EIA, WWF, and Wildlife Justice Commission want problematic tiger farms phased out and monitored through DNA profiling and inspections.
