(NEPAL): BBC Nepal forum tackles fate of tiger

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Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6562187.stm

 

Tiger conservation experts are gathering in the Nepalese capital,

Kathmandu, to discuss the future of the endangered species.

 

The conference is being organised by conservation group WWF and its

wildlife trade monitoring network, Traffic.

 

The forum is likely to see combative debate on the ethics of trading

tiger skin and bones.

 

Poaching and pressures on the tiger's natural habitat have reduced

their numbers in Asia to 5,000-7,000.

 

Bone debate

 

The conference delegates come from more than 12 countries, including

tiger range states such as India, Russia and Indonesia as well as

Nepal, the BBC's Charles Haviland in Kathmandu says.

 

China has sent 17 people, but its position is controversial, our

correspondent says.

 

In 1993, China banned the trade in tiger bone products, he says, but

it has many tiger farms.

 

Conservationists say Beijing wants to lift its ban at the behest of

influential Chinese businessmen.

 

They argue tiger bone has medicinal properties.

 

But some scientists say it barely differs from the bone of pigs, dogs

or goats.

 

Supporters of the trade in tiger parts say it will bring prices down

and reduce the incentives of poachers but their opponents say such

commerce will only stimulate demand.

 

The conference will last until Friday.