Tiger poachers use herbal poison

A recent trend has been tracked in how poachers are killing wild tigers. Experts have stated that herbal poisons are being used as this method does not damage the skin of the tiger (unlike snares and bullets) and will therefore fetch a much higher price on the wildlife market.

Authorities in Karnataka, South India recently found the remains of a four year old tiger that had been killed via poisoned meat. There were no bullet holes or marks from a snare or fighting on the tiger. The investigators managed to track down the poachers who were trying to sell the skin. There have been 4 tigers killed in suspicious circumstances in the last year in this area alone and in each case it is believed they were killed by locally made herbal poison. The herbal poison does not leave a trace of poison unlike chemical poisons and so is becoming the preferred way to kill a tiger by poachers.

The trade in tiger parts is such a high scale operation with a good quality skin costing around £12,000 ($20,000). Many of the skins are bought by senior businessmen and are used as luxury home décor and taxidermy.

This is a rampant trade that is devastating the wild tiger population. This new trend of killing the tiger with herbal poison is worrying as it is minimum output for the poachers with a maximum gain.

YOU can help us put an end to this horrific tiger trade by signing www.bantigertrade.com and putting pressure on world governments to implement and maintain CITES rulings and governmental laws to stop the illegal slaughter.

Together we can fund vital tiger projects in India, Thailand and Russia and keep tigers safe and in the wild. Please donate to keep these field projects running.

Written by: Chantelle M Henderson
Source: Bangalore Mirror
Photo Credit: EIA