High School Persuasive/Argument
Tiger Farming: Pro or Con?
Score Point 6
"Wild populations of tigers around the world are quickly shrinking, and the magnificent creatures that have stirred fear, love, and pity in the human mind of eons, may be on the verge of blinking out for good"(Tiger Farming: Salvation for the Southern Chinese Tiger). The list of extinct animals grows longer every day as species after species continues to fizzle out. Wild animals are vanishing at an alarming rate due to the many volatile misdeeds of civilization. Poaching, pollution, and the annihilation of natural ecosystems continue to interrupt and oftentimes decimate entire populations. In other words, there is a serious problem in the way humans treat the environment and it's inhabitants. This epidemic is fueled by innate human greed and like the egotistical characteristics of the human race, it is ubiquitous across cultures. One of the most corrupt of these disturbing industries is Tiger Farming in China. Law makers in China are giving the go-ahead to poachers masquerading as environmentalists, allowing a critically endangered species, the Southern Chinese tiger, to be kept in degrading and unsafe conditions. Although many government officials claim the process is saving the species, in reality, it is continuing the vicious cycle of extinction. This method is a cruel and ineffective. Because of the neglect and abuse of the tigers in the farming systems, this method is a cruel and unjust way to try and rehabilitate a dying species.
First off, the farming of tigers is immoral because of the way these farms mistreat and manipulate the animals. Disgusting, cramped conditions and unnatural practices of the farms result in the destruction of any hope for rehabilitation. For instance, Judith Mill, an esteemed wildlife activist, discusses in one of her interviews how the farms alter tiger behaviors and how in many cases "...they are raised in very un-tiger-like conditions and in many cases aren't fed correctly" (Mills). These "un-tiger-like" conditions are very similar to that of a dairy farm. Tigers are kept in cramped crowded conditions and are either obese or malnourished. Other examples of unnatural behavior includes running around in herds and continuously breeding. Tigers are innately solitary animals so the environment violates every natural instinct of tigers and forces them into unnatural and degrading conditions. Next, Mills also mentions the conditions the tigers are put in, saying that "They are not unlike the conditions in any battery farms that raise cows, pigs, and chickens. They are kept in small cages, (and) the females are bred and their cubs are taken away from them almost immediately so that they can breed again"(Mills). Depriving mothers of their children results in significant emotional trauma for the animals. The farms' practices of artificial insemination is a complete degradation of their natural behaviors. The conditions the tigers are kept in harm them on physical, emotional and mental levels. Comparing the way the tigers are treated in the farms and how they should be treated brings up a surplus of red flags. These animals are endangered and should be treated as so. They are not disposable. Because of the way that these farms domesticate and degrade the animals, tiger farming should be stopped.
Secondly, the motives behind tiger farming are corrupt and unjust towards the conservation of the species. On top of the horrendous treatment, the farms are run by corrupt and dirty businesses. Money is the fuel that powers the tiger farming operation, not compassion for the animals. The conservation of the species is tossed aside due to the insatiable greed of the owners. Tiger farming is a wealthy industry. On the black market, tiger skins and bone wine sell for top dollar. Because of their high value, many of the people behind tiger farming are only looking out for their own personal interest. For instance, in her interview, Mills reveals that "...a tiger farm is a feed lot for tigers where they're bred like cattle for their parts to make luxury goods" (Mills). The owners and operators are just looking to make money, and a lot of it at that. The demand for the wild tigers will go up as a result of the farms leading to an increase in poaching. Demand for tiger skin and bones encourages the greed and deceit of the people behind tiger farming. Because of the profit it brings in, the government also prospers of it as well. Although the selling and purchasing of tiger goods is illegal, "The State Forestry Administration actively promotes tiger farming. It has invested money in tiger farms and wineries on tiger farms"(Mills). The government claims to be against the illegal murdering of these animals but continues to support it through funding. This has drawn suspicion to the motives behind tiger farming and the reasons that it is not yet outlawed. When money and the lives of beautiful beings are weighed out, it is obvious that the farmers and government place more importance on the funds. Tiger skins and bones are high ticket items. The supply is so low so naturally the demand is incredibly high, leading to the further exploitation of tigers for personal gain. This system will only debilitate and degrade existing populations of tigers.
Finally, advocating tiger farming leads to the depletion of the wild tiger population and will continually drive multiple species to extinction. There have been radical pushes for the continuation of tiger farming. For example, those who support tiger farming back their reasoning by claiming that "When tiger products become available legally, it is argued that prices will fall dramatically, and if prices fall far enough poachers will be undersold"(Tiger Farming: Salvation for the Southern Chinese Tiger). This idea sounds good on paper but when implemented, it omits the possibility of failure and the severity of the consequences. If tiger farms do undercut poachers, there are still two competing markets driving the demand for tiger products. This is why tiger farming needs to be shut down sooner rather than later. To support the closing of tiger farming, Mills argues that "The problem with tiger farming is that it stimulates demand for tiger products, which stimulates poaching of wild tigers because products from wild tigers are considered superior, more prestigious, and they're exponentially more valuable" (Mills). Poaching becomes more prevalent because of the luxury of wild tigers as opposed to farmed tigers. This then results in the death of a species. Tiger farming needs to be eliminated because it leads to the massacre of the remaining wild and captive tigers.
Because of poor treatment, corrupt motives and the death of the surviving wild population, tiger farmers need to be exposed and stopped. This is the only way to continue the survival of such a beautiful species. The ignorance of those who do not understand the threats that these farms pose are the direct reason that tigers are headed towards extinction at a rapid rate. If the continuation of the tiger population is halted by human greed, the ecosystems will suffer and the hearts of many animal lovers will suffer.
Score Point 5
The Southern Chinese tiger is a creature of boundless fascination, and unfortunately, it is on the brink of extinction. These remarkable tigers are the world's most critically endangered species, with only forty-seven left in captivity. This is due to the horrific act of tiger farming. Before tiger farming was illegal, people would hunt the beasts for their carcasses to make a living. It has been made illegal in today's age, but some conservationists believe that by bringing tiger farming back, it will save the remaining wild tigers. This is not a viable solution because it will increase consumer demand, therefore increasing poaching, and continue to diminish the already non-existent population of the Southern Chinese tiger.
A major contributing factor to the dwindling population of the tigers is consumer demand. People used to believe the internal organs and bones of the tigers had regenerative properties, which led to a great deal of poaching to harvest these organs. Not only were the tigers believed to have these properties, but they were also farmed for their hides. The Southern Chinese tiger has unique, short, broad stripes, unlike those of countless other tigers. This one-of-a-kind coat is of high demand, which leads to hunters poaching the animals to sell on the black market for a living. As stated in the article, "...a new school of conservationists suggests that tiger farming may be a positive development." Their theory is that by allowing people to hunt and sell the bones and organs of the tiger, the prices will fall substantially with the increasing abundance of the product. This will then lead to a decrease of consumer demand, therefore leading to a decrease in poaching. However, this theory will do just the opposite, only increasing consumer demand and the need to participate in tiger farming.
Tiger farming and poaching go hand-in-hand. If one participates in the act of poaching and selling, they are participating in the act of tiger farming, and vice versa. Many believe the now minute amount of Southern Chinese tigers left in the world was caused by poaching back in the late 1950's. As stated in the article, "...in 1959, Chinese leader Mao Zedong declared the tiger and other predators...to be pests and enemies of the people." This statement lit a spark in many hunters, because they were now getting paid for each tiger they harvested. The persecution of these tigers went on until 1977, when it was officially made illegal to hunt and sell the organs and bones of the tiger, but it was already much too late. The population was now at merely 200 tigers left in the wild, and poachers were still harvesting and selling on the black market. The theory of the conservationists who want to promote tiger farming say that with the reduced prices and decrease of consumer demand the poachers will not want to hunt because they will be undersold, but in reality, this will only drive prices up and increase poaching by attracting a new market of buyers.
Although the Southern Chinese tiger is being bred in captivity and kept alive by the slight few of them left in zoos, there is very little hope for their extinction. As stated in the article, "The Southern Chinese tiger is unique because it is considered the stem tiger, the subspecies from which all other tigers have evolved." They are the smallest breed of tiger, because of this, and are not the best of hunters. The remaining population of these tigers is much too insignificant to benefit from any reproduction program, and they lack the genetic diversity to do so. So by allowing tiger farming, they will do nothing but kill the already non-existent chance of repopulating the tigers have. It will only encourage people to kill the endangered species, and there will be no hope whatsoever. The Southern Chinese tiger would become extinct, and no one would ever get to admire their astounding beauty ever again.
In conclusion, tiger farming is not the answer to saving the Southern Chinese tiger population. They are already the world's most critically endangered species, and by allowing people to go hunt the tigers and harvest their valuables, it will only spark interest in a new market of buyers, increasing consumer demand and driving the prices of the valuables up. It is not a viable solution, and will increase the urge to poach. The best bet is to let the tigers die off when they can no longer reproduce, and get rid of the act of tiger farming altogether.
Score Point 4
Southern Chinese tigers have roamed the wild jungle for numerous decades. Over the years, the population has been decreasing rapidly. On page one it claims, "Some experts maintain that there are approximately twenty to thirty of these tigers left in the wild, but it is more likely that they are already extinct as there have been no confirmed sighting or recorded anecdotes of contact for over twenty years. A total of 47 Southern Chinese tigers exist in captivity in eighteen zoos, all of which are in China." (14) A possible way to repair this problem is tiger farming. Tiger farming should continue because it protect the tiger against human caused deaths, they don't have to worry about natural threats, and scientists can study them to obtain a better understanding of these wild creatures.
Tiger farming should be used as an solution because it protects tigers from human caused deaths. One of the biggest amount of deaths is due to poaching. Many Southern Chinese Tigers have been killed by, "population fragmentation and poaching" (21) By keeping the endangered species in a secure place, it will stop majority of poaching. Although some farming places may mistreat the tigers, new laws can be added to prevent and eliminate these problems. The second reason why tiger farming would be benefical to the tiger population is it will protect them from deforsetation. On page three, it states "dwindling population is the destruction of its prey base." (20) A tiger farm will allow the tigers to have a temporary place to thrive. It will also produce a safe environment to reproduce. Southern Chinese Tigers should be placed in a tiger farm because it protects them from any human caused deaths."
The second reason why tiger farming should continue because it can shelter them from natural threats. Nature is usually compassionate to animals, on the other hand it can destroy an entire species. According to page one, it claims, "tigers are not the best hunters though, killing only once in every ten to two attempts." (10) In tiger farms, the tigers would be fed a healthy diet and eliminate deaths due to starvation. The next reason why tiger farming will aide to protect the tigers is there is no competition. In the wild, animals have to compete for resources like water, food, and mates. A tiger farm will give all tigers equal resources, therefore improving their chance of survival. tiger farming should be used to preserve tigers because it can prevent them of from dying of natural causes.
Lastly, tiger farming should be used because it allows scientist to get a better understanding of them. Scientists could study and record Southern Chinese tigers to find out more information about them. They can also learn how they react and adapt to new environments. The more scientist understand these majestic animal to more actions they can take to keeping them alive. Even removing one species can cripple an entire ecosystem. Tiger farming is a effective solution because it allows us to better comprehend these fierce animals.
Tiger farming is an effective way to save the Southern Chinese tiger population from becoming extinct. Tiger farming protects innocent animals against most poachers and deforestation. Second, it allows all of the animals to obtain food and not battle over valuable resources. Lastly, it allows scientists to better comprehend their behaviors and how we can assist them. Tiger farming could save the entire population form going extinct.
Score Point 3
Since the Southern Chinese tiger is an endangered species, people have said that tiger farming is a good idea to help the tigers survive and the farms will protect the tigers from people and poachers. But at the same time, there are people that say tiger farming is not a good idea because of the tigers being put into horrible conditions at the farm and how crowded the farms will be to the tigers. So, in some ways, tiger farming is a viable solution and, in other ways, tiger farming is not a viable solution to the problems that face the Southern Chinese tiger. But I would say it is a viable solution.
The reasons tiger farming would be a viable solution to the Southern Chinese tiger is because of the farms protecting those tigers from humans and from being killed by poachers. Since there have been people saying that the farms would be too crowded for those tigers, there are ways to solve that problem. One of the ways to prevent the farms from being crowded is by expanding the tiger farms so the space the tigers will live in will hold them all. But if that one gets crowded, another tiger farm could be made or some of the tigers could be transferred to another tiger farm that isn't as crowded.
But there are people that will use these tiger farms to their advantage by harvesting the tigers' body parts and selling them illegally on the black market. Even though the Chinese government made hunting and killing these tigers illegal, some people still do it, since it was already too late when the government released that law. In fact, some of the Southern Chinese tigers' body parts can still be found on the black market.
It has been said that whenever there is a pro to something, there is always a con to that same thing, and goes with tiger farming as well. Whether tiger farms will be made or not, there will still be a way for poachers to try to kill the tigers and sell their parts on the black market. Although the Chinese government made killing those tigers illegal, there still needs to be a way to prevent the tigers from being killed. Because, believe me, there are very intelligent hunters that will try to come up with a plan to kill a Southern Chinese tiger without getting caught. And if that keeps up, the Southern Chinese tiger will be extinct, permanently.
Score Point 2
I disagree on tiger farming, because they are capturing or raising these tigers on these farms and once they get big enough they kill them and use the bones for medicine or they use the tigers pelts for jackets. But they also think that by using other body parts they think that it might make them live longer. But they sell the bones and other body parts at the black market but they do it illegally. So people are trying to lower the prices because then the people selling it will see that it is not making that much money so then they will stop. Because they say that the tigers are starting to become hard to find and rare. Also they said these tigers are smaller than normal tigers. Another negitive part about it is that I feel that they will never stop because thats how they make money and no one cares enough to send an undercover cop to go and arrest anyone. But no one will rat them out because if thats what you grow up learning that it is ok to kill those tigers. Also I don't think it's fair to the tigers because they deserve to be able to live in the wild and then that way they won't become exticte because people won't be constitionly killing them.
Score Point 1
China killing tigers! But, for no reason. But, Is just going to take all their Hadditat away. To where there going to be no more. Tiger which the wild ones will vanish some place else. Most of the tigers will go extinct. So in my position I think it's a wrong thing to do, the condition is just horrific and inranging. It's sad how these tigers are being treayed like this. While they can be out in the wild doing what their life habitat is about. Seriously, (Someone needs to put a stop to this, as soon as possible).