There have long been more captive tigers in the world than in the wild. In South Africa, the new breeding business which, according to animal rights activists, encourages illegal trafficking in which Italy is also involved. Lav: “We ask the government to intervene”
It is estimated that the world has remained at its maximum 3,900 wild tigers. About half of those bred in captivity (8 thousand). But the lack of reliable data does not allow the authorities to have a adequate control over illegal trafficking and commercial exploitation of this endangered species.
The figures speak for themselves: in India – which is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population in the wild – in 1947 the specimens were 40 thousand. In 2018 there were 2,967 left, a very low number yet defined as “historic” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hunting, habitat destruction, fear, superstitions: for centuries the largest feline in the world has been constantly threatened by man. According to some cultures, their chopped bones make them stronger, while for others, the genitals can increase virility and the eyes are able to cure vision diseases. Fur is still considered a valuable commodity, a symbol of luxury and power. As well as the various “trophies”. While puppies are sold as pets.
Farming in South Africa
At the center of the international tiger trafficking is South Africa which, according to a recent report by the German animal rights organization Four Paws (read here) – is “blatantly violating international agreements on wildlife trade” (ed. Washington – Cites). As they are not native to the country, explains the animal rights organization, tigers do not enjoy legal protection and thanks to these legislative gaps, tiger farming is becoming even more profitable than lions (which the government announced last year want to prohibit). The report says that the lack of effective regulations regarding the private breeding and commercial trade of live big cats from this country is being “By encouraging their illicit trade and is contributing to the decline of big cat populations around the world”. South Africa exports large numbers of captive-bred live tigers each year, as well as parts of them. Between 2011 and 2020, at least 359 live tigers were exported from the country mainly to Vietnam, China and Thailand, known hot spots for the demand for tiger parts and for the illegal trade for the production of traditional medicines and furs. About 255 of these were sold to zoos. As many as 54, however, the “trophies” exported from the country.
The role of Italy
“Although the focus of the report is on the South African industry, the evidence that emerges underlines the need for an urgent and global change, to protect big cats such as tigers from extinction,” explains Lav. Italy too – unfortunately – has a considerable role in these trades. Just think that – again according to the data released by the association – l‘Italy and France are in fact responsible, alone, for 50% of European traffic.
How is it possible? «Italy and France are the countries with the greatest presence of circus companies – explains al Courier service Andrea Casini, Head of Exotic Animals of the Lav – which are authorized to keep and breed tigers and therefore are in fact one of the centers “of production” of these animals“. In this case, the tigers can also be legally sold to other circuses. “But the result is that you have no idea how many there are and often where they end up – underlines Casini – Also because there is no unified register and database of exotic animals in the area. So it is impossible to carry out the checks ».
A recent exemplary case is that of the ten tigers transported from Latina to Russia. «The end of these animals sold and trafficked – Casini always explains – is unfortunately that of become traditional Chinese medicine: and therefore of being killed and dismembered ». If one living tiger is worth from 3 thousand to 5 thousand eurosthe income for a dead tiger ranges from 15 thousand to 20 thousand euros.
The possible solution
One of the problems in defining Italy’s role in the illegal tiger trade is – once again – the impossibility of obtaining univocal data. For example: according to official data, 24 tigers are declared in Italy. But the “real” number (obtained by crossing evidence of the presence of these animals in circuses, zoos, etc.) is at least 400.
The solution? “Today in Italy we are facing a possible positive change for tigers and exotic animals, in general – underlines the Lav – By May 8, in fact, the Ministry of Health is called to approve the Implementing Decree of Law 53 which will totally prohibit the reproduction, possession and trade of wild and exotic animals, including tigers. The provisions contained therein, if they comply as they should with Article 14 letter q) of Law 53 voted and approved by our Parliament, will have important impacts on circuses and private breeding of all wild animals. Only through these epochal changes will it be possible to return, but not as before ».
February 16, 2022 (change March 1, 2022 | 18:51)
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