The Chinese government have reversed a 25-year ban on the use of rhinoceros horns and tiger bones in traditional medicine, a move that has been deemed detrimental for the protection of these animals from extinction.

China’s cabinet has stipulated that the animal parts can only be used by certified hospitals and must be taken from animals in captivity. The global environmental community has condemned the move arguing that it will lead to a re-growth in the black-market and poaching industries.

With only 30,000 rhinos and 3,900 tigers left in the wild – compared to more than 500,000 and 100,000 respectively a century ago – and a traditional medicine industry worth $100 billion, the threat is very real.

Although traditional medicine is a highly profitable business, rhino horns and tiger bones have no proven benefits for human health.

This decision comes just days after a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report on the changing biodiversity and extinction rates on the planet. The report, Living Planet Index, has shown that there has been a 60% decline in animal populations since 1970. It states, ‘’Earth is losing biodiversity at a rate seen only during mass extinctions.’’ It also noted that species population decline is most pronounced in the Tropics region, with South and Central America having experienced an 89% loss since 1970. The global freshwater animal population has shown an 83% decline since 1970.

Speaking on China’s decision, director of wildlife policy at WWF, Leigh Henry said:

‘’It’s a devastating decision. I can’t overstate the potential impact.’’

According to Peter Knights, chief executive of WildAid, an environmental advocacy group based in San Francisco:

‘’A small number of individuals stand to make a lot of money, perhaps at the price of the species.” He added that the decision “comes completely out of the blue and with no rationale.’’

In 2000, China announced its ‘Go Global!’ campaign in which it encouraged local enterprises to invest abroad, marking the start of China’s rapid globalization and exponential economic growth. While the move to the world stage was monumental for the Chinese economy, there has been a huge amount of degradation and pollution to the environment on its path to success.

China banned the use of tiger bones and rhino horns in 1993, after receiving immense pressure from animal rights groups, as well as emerging evidence that the traditional treatments don’t work. In 2016, China banned the import and sale of ivory in the country, putting them on the leader board at the time in terms of protecting global biodiversity.

This recent move has cast a light on President Xi Jinping’s ability to deal with global issues such as climate change and air pollution responsibly. The WWF are calling on the Chinese government to maintain the ban and to close captive facilities in China where 6,500 tigers are being bred for commercial purposes.

 

 

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Image courtesy of hnphotog via Flickr

 

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