The WWF and TRAFFIC have welcomed the reports that indicate that a statement by World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), which has urged its members not to use tiger bone or any other parts from endangered wildlife.

In 1993, China introduced a domestic ban on tiger trade and at that time the use of tiger bones was removed from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacopeias.

Huang Jianyin, deputy secretary of WFCMS, said, "Tiger conservation has become a political issue in the world. Therefore, it's necessary for the traditional Chinese medicine industry to support the conservation of endangered species, including tigers."

Dr. Colman O'Criodain, Wildlife trade analyst, WWF International, said, "CITES governments should be encouraged by this statement and use the opportunity they have at this meeting to pass measures that if properly enforced, can help put an end to tiger trade."

Professor Xu Hongfa, head of TRAFFIC's programme in China said, "The Societies' public declaration is a clear signal that the traditional Chinese medicinal community is now backing efforts to secure a future for wild tigers."

It had a duty to research the conservation of endangered species, including tigers, the WFCMS stated as an international traditional Chinese academic organization.

The WFCMS' Huang Jianyin said, "We will ask our members not to use endangered wildlife in traditional Chinese medicine, and reduce the misunderstanding and bias of the international community."

He further added, "The traditional Chinese medicine industry should look for substitutes and research on economical and effective substitutes for tiger products, which will improve the international image and status of traditional Chinese medicine and promote TCM in the world." (With Inputs from Agencies)