Record Cache of Snow Leopard Parts Seized in China

[davo]

The pelts of 27 snow leopards were recently seized from a black market trader in China. The record bust highlights the menacing threat to one of the world's most endangered cats, experts say.

Acting on a tip, agents from China's State Forestry Administration raided an apartment in western China last month, according to state media.

Police arrested the fur trader, identified only as Mr. Ma, after discovering the cache of pelts, along with 104 bear skins and parts of clouded leopards and lynx.

"Police found three snow leopard heads and two snow leopard skeletons in the raid," Ge Yun, of the China-based nonprofit Xinjiang Conservation Fund (XCF), told National Geographic News.

The seizure is reportedly the largest haul of leopard pelts since Chinese officials began keeping records in 1949.

An official with China's State Forest Administration, who identified himself as Mr. Li, confirmed the arrests in a telephone interview but declined to offer details.

"The snow leopard is endangered, and the government is working very hard to protect it," he said.

more... http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/09/070910-snow-leopards.html

 

[pmtuneman13]

It sickens me when I hear these stories. They need to set up a team of anti-poachers that kill the poachers on sight like they do in Africa. China must be the reason for most of the articles like this that I have read. The black market there is enormous.

 

[davo]

It sickens me when I hear these stories. They need to set up a team of anti-poachers that kill the poachers on sight like they do in Africa. China must be the reason for most of the articles like this that I have read. The black market there is enormous.

as soon as someone starts one up... I'm there. Yeah in some parts of africa doesn't have a "shoot on sight" policy officially, more of a shoot back if fired at I think... that's the "official" status anyway... probably not the way it works out though

 

[guppy]

Snow leopards, my second favorite cat, clouded leopards are first choice. Hell, I don't hunt any cats at all. I don't eat them and they are a lot better looking in the wild than on the wall.

 

[Bsixxx]

thats horrible


there gunna be extinct within a few more years

 

[pmtuneman13]

Some of the game wardens in Africa love the animals they protect like family. They grew up with them... trust me, if they see a known poacher, he's dead. My best friend's family is from South Africa and has told me stories of how far they go to catch the poachers over there. Albeit, it came a little late. Most of the wardens used to be the poachers, but instead of killing them, they are now paid to protect the animals they used to hunt down and kill for Ivory or pelts.

Not long ago someone posted a thread about a group of idiots killing a baby whale shark. I think that was also in China. And who do you think buys shark fins? Many countries do, but China is way up there on the list. What is wrong with them?

 

[Miguel]

criminals and negligent governments.

 

[davo]

Just saw a couple of amur leopards today... rarest species of Pantera, 25-35 left in the wild. So hang on I saw the equivalent of 6-10% of an ENTIRE species at the same time. That, is sad. One of the most elagant, beautiful creatures I've seen in person. To see them on a wall is tasteless and a waste.