According to NY Times, Ding Xuedong, a top official with State council, China said,
A few days ago, China lifted the 25-year-long ban on the tiger bone and rhino horn trade. After facing significant international outcry and pressure from environmental groups, Chinese Government decided to postpone the ban reversal.
The ban reversal was done to support medical research and healing. Experts gauged that this would lead to increase in black market activity dealing in tiger bone and rhino horn, consequently endangering the species.
“The Chinese government has not changed its stance on wildlife protection and will not ease the crackdown on illegal trafficking and trade of rhinos, tigers and their byproducts.”
According to The Straits Times, Ding has neither mentioned any reason for this action, nor stated whether the ban would be permanent or not.
The most exciting part of China postponing the lifting of ban on trade of tiger and rhino parts is it means they have actually listened to the pressure from the rest of the world. Is it just me or is that huge??? There is hope @HelpingRhinos @savetherhino @TFAfrica
— Nick (@saintsman5) November 12, 2018
This is definitely a win for wildlife conversation. However, whether or not this will be permanent only time will tell.
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