Alarm bells have gone off in Kaziranga as China has controversially reversed a 25 year old ban on Rhino Horn trade.
Rhinos and tigers are both endangered in the wild and China prohibited their trade in 1993. But on Monday it said parts from captive animals would be authorized for scientific, medical and cultural use.
Experts worry this will increase demand for the animals and jeopardize efforts to protect them. The poachers will further intensify the pressure as demand from China will soar and authorities of Kaziranga are very worried.
So far in this year only 5 rhinos were killed, which was 8 last year but much less than 23 of 2013.
Rhino and tiger parts are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. They are prescribed to treat a large variety of ailments including fever, gout, insomnia and meningitis, though any benefits have not been proven.
In a statement announcing the replacement of the 25-year old ban, the State Council said powdered forms of rhino horn and bones from dead tigers could be used in "qualified hospitals by qualified doctors".
The animal products can only be obtained from farms, it said. Parts from those animals classified as "antiques" could be used in cultural exchanges if approved by the cultural authorities, the statement adds.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said in a statement that the move would have "devastating consequences" and be an "enormous setback" to efforts to protect the animals in the wild.
"Even if restricted to antiques and use in hospitals, this trade would increase confusion by consumers and law enforcers as to which products are and are not legal, and would likely expand the markets for other tiger and rhino products," WWF said.
