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Upon returning to Southeast Asia for a second trip after visiting China's largest tiger farm, Leigh Henry, WWF-US Director of Wildlife Policy, along with her colleagues from the Tiger's Alive team embarked on an intensive journey across Thland, Laos, and Vietnam. Spanning two weeks of travel, this whirlwind expedition involved 34 meetings with colleagues, NGOs, and government partners, setting a strong foundation for tackling illegal tiger trade and phasing out tiger farms.
During their visit to a smaller but more secluded tiger farm nestled deep in rural areas, the team encountered an equally varied operation compared to urban-based facilities. Despite the difficulties presented by winding back roads, frily locals pointing them in the right direction became essential as they eventually arrived at a modest property with chickens and fruit trees, housing only six tigers confined within five rusty kennels.
This remote location underscores the complexity of enforcing regulations on tiger farms spread across Southeast Asia, making it challenging to regulate or eliminate illegal trade. Moreover, some individuals are even reportedly keeping and breeding tigers in basements to avoid detection.
Strategic collaborations and ongoing challenges were at the heart of their interactions with WWF and TRAFFIC colleagues worldwide and other organizations. This face-to-face engagement reinvigorated their commitment despite sensitive issues they face with local governments. The added perspectives from these discussions enriched their strategies, making them more effective in addressing illegal tiger trade.
On a more somber note, the team encountered varying levels of government response when discussing the issue. Conversations ranged from confusion about tiger trading regulations to misinformation about wild and captive tiger populations. While this may appear discouraging, it provided insights into the difficulties faced by colleagues trying to advance their agas across Southeast Asian countries.
Yet, this trip left Leigh Henry optimistic for progress ahead in ing illegal trade, phasing out tiger farms, and achieving conservation goals for wild tigers. This is possible through collaborative efforts from WWF, TRAFFIC, and partner organizations. While the road may be uphill, her confidence in overcoming these challenges lies in the collective commitment of everyone involved.
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Ending Illegal Tiger Trade in Southeast Asia Conserving Tigers Through Collaborative Efforts Tiger Farms and Their Phasing Out Strategies Against Wildlife Trafficking Protecting Endangered Species Worldwide Advocacy for Wildlife Conservation Actions