As forests, grasslands, and a solid prey base have disappeared across India, the tiger has vanished from more and more of its range. Persistent tiger poaching for illegal trade compounds the pressure on the cats. The animals are shot for sale to China, which supports a booming business in traditional medicines made from tiger parts, including whiskers, bones, hides, and flesh. In 1995, an estimated 73 tigers were butchered and shipped in parts to China. Some Chinese believe the bones cure rheumatism, ulcers, fever, and burns.
Tiger blood is said to build physical and mental strength.
The tiger trade pressures all tiger populations. As long as demand for traditional Chinese medicine products with tiger parts remains high, the tiger will be in danger of extinction. The tiger was listed as endangered under United States law in 1970. It has also received support under the U.S. Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, which seeks to assist and provide funds for tiger conservation. International conservation organizations have collaborated to identify priority areas and actions for tiger conservation, and corporate sponsors have pledged millions for tiger conservation.