I found this news article while trawling the net to pass time, from China Daily, and it concerns the Siberian Tigers from Harbin Park, one of the most successful captive breeding centres for Siberian Tigers. Unfortunately, some comments made me wonder why the Chinese even started the breeding programme in the first place. I copied and pasted the article below:
Siberian tigers move south to make some money
By Wu Yong (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-28 07:51
Fifteen Siberian tigers are traveling a long way from Harbin in Northeast China to Xiamen in the south - to help their families and relatives live a better life back home.
The Harbin-based Siberian Tiger Park signed a five-year contract with Xiamen Huzhilin Company earlier this year for an undisclosed amount; and the tigers will be on view in the coastal city from October 1, the first day of the week-long National Day holidays.
To take care of the tigers, two zookeepers from Harbin will be with them throughout the five years, said Bian Shifeng, a park employee.
It is not the first time the Harbin park has leased out tigers to ease its financial strain - more than 100 tigers can be found in Dalian, Shenyang and Taiyuan zoos, and generate about 1 million yuan ($133,000) each year, a source close to the park said.
The park, founded in 1996, is one of the major Siberian tiger breeding bases in the country. In the past decade, their number has jumped from eight to more than 800.
While preservation of the precious species is ensured, the increasing number of big cats has led to another conundrum: How to feed them.
Wang Ligang, the park's general manger, said the financial deficit is rising despite local government support.
A tiger eats 5 kg of meat every day and its annual expense covering food and medical care is about 30,000 yuan ($3,993).
Which means the park has to fork out more than 20 million yuan ($2.67 million) each year, according to Liu Dan, chief engineer of the park.
Wang said the park has three sources of income: ticket sales, leasing out the tigers and government funding. "But it is far from enough."
The price of pork and other meat rose more than 80 percent in the first eight months of this year, driven mostly by increases in animal feed prices, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Sources familiar with the conditions in the park said tigers are now fed chicken instead of beef to cut costs.
Cao Liang, director of the China Wildlife Conservation Association, said tiger leasing is justified as long as approval is secured from the local governments. "The best protection for many tigers (in Harbin) is to provide enough food for them," Cao said.
"The only solution is to lift the ban on tiger trade. The trade of bones from tigers that are bred in captivity and die of natural causes will not affect the conservation of wild tigers. This can help raise funds for living tigers and also give relief to patients," Wang said.
In Chinese medicine, tiger parts are used as cures for illnesses ranging from colds to rheumatism.
In China, about 50 tigers live in the wilderness and around 5,000 in captivity. Some 1,000 are born each year in farms and about the same number have died of natural causes in recent years.
Why aren't they considering reintroduction or controlling the breeding? If you can't support so many then don't breed so many! What the park manager said sounds like he just pushed ahead with the breeding program at maximum speed to get recognition for a "successful breeding program", and then now he's trying to make a profit for the park (and get more credit for himself) with the "extra" or "surplus" tigers. This doesn't work. If anything, the breeding program , in such a case is a miserable flop. The Chinese government has been asking for the lifting of international bans of trade in tiger parts. For all we know, the captive breeding program could have been a pathetic (not to mention cowardly) excuse to prepare for tiger farming industries.
To everyone who's reading, let's all put in a little effort in stopping these atrocities. BigCatRescue has a petition site here: http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU Please sign the petition, and help improve the situation there.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Prophecy Come True?
A modified (and most probably modernised Cree Indian proverb goes like this: "Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money."
Well for those who want to know, the original story (as re-told by Lelanie Fuller Stone) goes like this...
--- There was an old lady, from the "Cree" tribe, named "Eyes of Fire", who prophesied that one day, because of the white mans' or Yo-ne-gis' greed, there would come a time, when the fish would die in the streams, the birds would fall from the air, the waters would be blackened, and the trees would no longer be, mankind as we would know it would all but cease to exist.
There would come a time when the "keepers of the legend, stories, culture rituals, and myths, and all the Ancient Tribal Customs" would be needed to restore us to health. They would be mankinds’ key to survival, they were the "Warriors of the Rainbow". There would come a day of awakening when all the peoples of all the tribes would form a New World of Justice, Peace, Freedom and recognition of the Great Spirit.
The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would spread these messages and teach all peoples of the Earth or "Elohi". They would teach them how to live the "Way of the Great Spirit". They would tell them of how the world today has turned away from the Great Spirit and that is why our Earth is "Sick".
The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would show the peoples that this "Ancient Being" (the Great Spirit), is full of love and understanding, and teach them how to make the "Earth or Elohi" beautiful again. These Warriors would give the people principles or rules to follow to make their path right with the world. These principles would be those of the Ancient Tribes. The Warriors of the Rainbow would teach the people of the ancient practices of Unity, Love and Understanding. They would teach of Harmony among people in all four comers of the Earth.
Like the Ancient Tribes, they would teach the peoples how to pray to the Great Spirit with love that flows like the beautiful mountain stream, and flows along the path to the ocean of life. Once again, they would be able to feel joy in solitude and in councils. They would be free of petty jealousies and love all mankind as their brothers, regardless of color, race or religion. They would feel happiness enter their hearts, and become as one with the entire human race. Their hearts would be pure and radiate warmth, understanding and respect for all mankind, Nature, and the Great Spirit. They would once again fill their minds, hearts, souls, and deeds with the purest of thoughts. They would seek the beauty of the Master of Life - the Great Spirit! They would find strength and beauty in prayer and the solitudes of life.
Their children would once again be able to run free and enjoy the treasures of Nature and Mother Earth. Free from the fears of toxins and destruction, wrought by the Yo-ne-gi and his practices of greed. The rivers would again run clear, the forests be abundant and beautiful, the animals and birds would be replenished. The powers of the plants and animals would again be respected and conservation of all that is beautiful would become a way of life.
The poor, sick and needy would be cared for by their brothers and sisters of the Earth. These practices would again become a part of their daily lives.
The leaders of the people would be chosen in the old way - not by their political party, or who could speak the loudest, boast the most, or by name calling or mud slinging, but by those whose actions spoke the loudest. Those who demonstrated their love, wisdom, and courage and those who showed that they could and did work for the good of all, would be chosen as the leaders or Chiefs. They would be chosen by their "quality" and not the amount of money they had obtained. Like the thoughtful and devoted "Ancient Chiefs", they would understand the people with love, and see that their young were educated with the love and wisdom of their surroundings. They would show them that miracles can be accomplished to heal this world of its ills, and restore it to health and beauty.
The tasks of these "Warriors of the Rainbow" are many and great. There will be terrifying mountains of ignorance to conquer and they shall find prejudice and hatred. They must be dedicated, unwavering in their strength, and strong of heart. They will find willing hearts and minds that will follow them on this road of returning "Mother Earth" to beauty and plenty - once more.
The day will come, it is not far away. The day that we shall see how we owe our very existence to the people of all tribes that have maintained their culture and heritage. Those that have kept the rituals, stories, legends, and myths alive. It will be with this knowledge, the knowledge that they have preserved, that we shall once again return to "harmony" with Nature, Mother Earth, and mankind. It will be with this knowledge that we shall find our "Key to our Survival". ---
I'm sure many of us would agree that much of the prophecy is coming true, that Man's (not just the white, but all the different races) greed is sucking the earth dry, and that wildlife is going extinct, the waters are becoming polluted and the forests are being cut down(And that reminds me of the rather sad state of 270 track of Panti Forest Reserve), and the politicians leading most countries are there because it makes them seen rich and powerful and pulsing with testosterone. But will we ever see the other half come true?
I think reading the prophecy gives me hope (although I've never been a religious or mystic-believing person and probably will never be one - too scientific, my other half snorts). The past year, I've met some really nice people, fighting tooth and nail for the betterment of the earth. These conservationists, they are the Warriors of the Rainbow. People like Louis from ACRES, Dr. Anna, Ria Tan (whom I've yet to meet) and some of the people at NUS and RMBR. But they are too few, and are like an advanced party. More will come and they have to come quick. This prophecy must come true.
I find that cultures are funny things. Often, the cultures are considered "Superior" in some way often have absolutely no, or close to no, respect for Nature. Lots of examples spring to mind. Chinese culture for example (I am ethnic Chinese by the way). The Chinese take pride in being able to cook and eat anything that moves. They harvest sharks, chop off their fins and dump them (finless) back in the sea. They keep bear farms to collect their bile, and have tried to legalise tiger farming. The Indo-Chinese believe in mystical powers of lorises (which unfortunately will manifest only if the lorises are killed and the corresponding body parts are eaten). The white man and royalty practically every "Superior" culture hunt animals just for fun. On the other hand, the cultures seen as "savages" or "barbaric" seem to have enormous respect for Nature. The North American Indians, the numerous African Tribes, the Nepalese, and Tibetans to name a few examples practically worship Nature. Unfortunately, many of them have now been corrupted by their conquerors. So we see African native guides who lead hunting trips, Indonesian indigenous people slashing and burning their forests with hopes of striking it rich. And for what? For nothing more than a few pieces of metal and paper that they call money.
Well for those who want to know, the original story (as re-told by Lelanie Fuller Stone) goes like this...
--- There was an old lady, from the "Cree" tribe, named "Eyes of Fire", who prophesied that one day, because of the white mans' or Yo-ne-gis' greed, there would come a time, when the fish would die in the streams, the birds would fall from the air, the waters would be blackened, and the trees would no longer be, mankind as we would know it would all but cease to exist.
There would come a time when the "keepers of the legend, stories, culture rituals, and myths, and all the Ancient Tribal Customs" would be needed to restore us to health. They would be mankinds’ key to survival, they were the "Warriors of the Rainbow". There would come a day of awakening when all the peoples of all the tribes would form a New World of Justice, Peace, Freedom and recognition of the Great Spirit.
The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would spread these messages and teach all peoples of the Earth or "Elohi". They would teach them how to live the "Way of the Great Spirit". They would tell them of how the world today has turned away from the Great Spirit and that is why our Earth is "Sick".
The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would show the peoples that this "Ancient Being" (the Great Spirit), is full of love and understanding, and teach them how to make the "Earth or Elohi" beautiful again. These Warriors would give the people principles or rules to follow to make their path right with the world. These principles would be those of the Ancient Tribes. The Warriors of the Rainbow would teach the people of the ancient practices of Unity, Love and Understanding. They would teach of Harmony among people in all four comers of the Earth.
Like the Ancient Tribes, they would teach the peoples how to pray to the Great Spirit with love that flows like the beautiful mountain stream, and flows along the path to the ocean of life. Once again, they would be able to feel joy in solitude and in councils. They would be free of petty jealousies and love all mankind as their brothers, regardless of color, race or religion. They would feel happiness enter their hearts, and become as one with the entire human race. Their hearts would be pure and radiate warmth, understanding and respect for all mankind, Nature, and the Great Spirit. They would once again fill their minds, hearts, souls, and deeds with the purest of thoughts. They would seek the beauty of the Master of Life - the Great Spirit! They would find strength and beauty in prayer and the solitudes of life.
Their children would once again be able to run free and enjoy the treasures of Nature and Mother Earth. Free from the fears of toxins and destruction, wrought by the Yo-ne-gi and his practices of greed. The rivers would again run clear, the forests be abundant and beautiful, the animals and birds would be replenished. The powers of the plants and animals would again be respected and conservation of all that is beautiful would become a way of life.
The poor, sick and needy would be cared for by their brothers and sisters of the Earth. These practices would again become a part of their daily lives.
The leaders of the people would be chosen in the old way - not by their political party, or who could speak the loudest, boast the most, or by name calling or mud slinging, but by those whose actions spoke the loudest. Those who demonstrated their love, wisdom, and courage and those who showed that they could and did work for the good of all, would be chosen as the leaders or Chiefs. They would be chosen by their "quality" and not the amount of money they had obtained. Like the thoughtful and devoted "Ancient Chiefs", they would understand the people with love, and see that their young were educated with the love and wisdom of their surroundings. They would show them that miracles can be accomplished to heal this world of its ills, and restore it to health and beauty.
The tasks of these "Warriors of the Rainbow" are many and great. There will be terrifying mountains of ignorance to conquer and they shall find prejudice and hatred. They must be dedicated, unwavering in their strength, and strong of heart. They will find willing hearts and minds that will follow them on this road of returning "Mother Earth" to beauty and plenty - once more.
The day will come, it is not far away. The day that we shall see how we owe our very existence to the people of all tribes that have maintained their culture and heritage. Those that have kept the rituals, stories, legends, and myths alive. It will be with this knowledge, the knowledge that they have preserved, that we shall once again return to "harmony" with Nature, Mother Earth, and mankind. It will be with this knowledge that we shall find our "Key to our Survival". ---
I'm sure many of us would agree that much of the prophecy is coming true, that Man's (not just the white, but all the different races) greed is sucking the earth dry, and that wildlife is going extinct, the waters are becoming polluted and the forests are being cut down(And that reminds me of the rather sad state of 270 track of Panti Forest Reserve), and the politicians leading most countries are there because it makes them seen rich and powerful and pulsing with testosterone. But will we ever see the other half come true?
I think reading the prophecy gives me hope (although I've never been a religious or mystic-believing person and probably will never be one - too scientific, my other half snorts). The past year, I've met some really nice people, fighting tooth and nail for the betterment of the earth. These conservationists, they are the Warriors of the Rainbow. People like Louis from ACRES, Dr. Anna, Ria Tan (whom I've yet to meet) and some of the people at NUS and RMBR. But they are too few, and are like an advanced party. More will come and they have to come quick. This prophecy must come true.
I find that cultures are funny things. Often, the cultures are considered "Superior" in some way often have absolutely no, or close to no, respect for Nature. Lots of examples spring to mind. Chinese culture for example (I am ethnic Chinese by the way). The Chinese take pride in being able to cook and eat anything that moves. They harvest sharks, chop off their fins and dump them (finless) back in the sea. They keep bear farms to collect their bile, and have tried to legalise tiger farming. The Indo-Chinese believe in mystical powers of lorises (which unfortunately will manifest only if the lorises are killed and the corresponding body parts are eaten). The white man and royalty practically every "Superior" culture hunt animals just for fun. On the other hand, the cultures seen as "savages" or "barbaric" seem to have enormous respect for Nature. The North American Indians, the numerous African Tribes, the Nepalese, and Tibetans to name a few examples practically worship Nature. Unfortunately, many of them have now been corrupted by their conquerors. So we see African native guides who lead hunting trips, Indonesian indigenous people slashing and burning their forests with hopes of striking it rich. And for what? For nothing more than a few pieces of metal and paper that they call money.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Channelnewsasia situation update
Channelnewsasia gave a pretty positive reply. They said they'd look into setting up a Science/Nature Section on their site, or increase Nature reporting!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Channelnewsasia
I just made a request to Channelnewsasia via email for them to set up a Science/Nature section on their website. I hope it gets somewhere.
They do have a technology section, but while technology is Science, Science is not only technology. Is this something about Singaporean mindsets? When people mention Science, its the engineering and physics and chemistry. I don't think Nature comes to mind very often.
Fingers-crossed, hopefully we see some progress here.
They do have a technology section, but while technology is Science, Science is not only technology. Is this something about Singaporean mindsets? When people mention Science, its the engineering and physics and chemistry. I don't think Nature comes to mind very often.
Fingers-crossed, hopefully we see some progress here.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Glow-in-the-dark Fungi
Found this at Meralodge forest. Really cool fungi. Well its not all that uncommon, probably one of the 33 Mycena sp. Its funny though, that people go the sea and look for weird creatures for GFP when maybe its in the forest right behind them.
Well now I hope that people don't read this and go wreck the forest.
On a lighter note, when you see someone board the bus, and he's muddy and sweaty, don't be so quick to label him a "construction worker". He might be your friendly field biologist who's working desperately to keep Singapore's natural heritage!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Help Needed
Well, this appeal is only open to students doing Biology in NUS and ok with doing nocturnal field work.
NParks doesn't let me do field work on my own! Slow Loris work are best done with one or two people, and since they effectively ruled out "one", then I need someone to go in with me! It doesn't have to be regular, just have to let me know if you are interested and then I'll contact you I have to do a night survey. Anyone?
NParks doesn't let me do field work on my own! Slow Loris work are best done with one or two people, and since they effectively ruled out "one", then I need someone to go in with me! It doesn't have to be regular, just have to let me know if you are interested and then I'll contact you I have to do a night survey. Anyone?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Latest Update on Slow Lorises on 2007 IUCN Red-List
Here's what IUCN thinks with regards to distribution.
Native:
Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Thailand; Viet Nam
Possibly extinct regionally:
Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Thailand; Viet Nam; Singapore.
Notice that under "Native", there is no mention of Singapore, but under "Possible Extinct Regionally", Singapore is there. Obviously I hope that my project can help "Singapore" hop from the lower category to the upper one.
Native:
Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Thailand; Viet Nam
Possibly extinct regionally:
Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Thailand; Viet Nam; Singapore.
Notice that under "Native", there is no mention of Singapore, but under "Possible Extinct Regionally", Singapore is there. Obviously I hope that my project can help "Singapore" hop from the lower category to the upper one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
