China has just made the devastating decision to reverse its 25 year ban on the trading of rhino horn and tiger bones.
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Its government says it will once again allow the trading of animal body parts for scientific research, as cultural relics and for use in hospitals.
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Science has shown us that there’s no evidence whatsoever that rhino horn and tiger bones offer any health benefits. Even with a ban on these products over the last 25 years, the Asian medicinal market is still the number ONE driver for poaching across Africa and India. Although the ban on these products from wild animals remains in place, we believe this decision will now ignite the market and provide cover for illegal trade, risking further encouragement of the poaching of these magnificent species.
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This decision could set back conservation efforts by decades. Less than 30,000 rhinos and 3,000 tigers remain in the wild and NOW, more than ever, time is something that rhinos and tigers do not have. The decision is confusing given the recent moves in China to close their domestic ivory market, which we welcome.
{information from Chester Zoo Instagram page}

More information:

Sky News - China reverses ban on tiger bones and rhino horns

CNN - China allows use of tiger and rhino products, infuriating wildlife activists

WWF - China reverses ban on tiger bone and rhino horn trade