Chinese authorities in Yunnan have seized 278 bear paws and 416 pangolins from a 20-member gang engaged in smuggling endangered animals. The perpetrators are behind the bars. Bear's paw is a Chinese delicacy. Pangolin meat is believed to cure asthma. A recent survey conducted jointly by the China Wildlife Conservation Association and US non-governmental organisation Wildaid showed that those who eat wildlife fell dramatically compared with a 1999 survey. This is due to the fear of contracting diseases such as SARS. SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which broke out in China's southern province of Guangdong in 2002 killed 774 people and infected more than 8,000 people.
It is good to see Chinese authorities cracking down on smugglers. Chinese propensity to eat wildlife has been a cause of worry for environmentalists around the world. Creating awareness is our best bet for the future.
1 comment:
Yes it sure is good to hear Chinese authorities cracking down on smugglers
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