Asian Conservation Awareness Program
The Asian Conservation Awareness Program’s website aims to educate the world about the threats faced by five key endangered species: tigers, rhinos, turtles, bears and elephants.
There’s a good, clear background to the conservation issues involved, as well as pictures of and information about each of the animals, with details of their biology and the reasons why they are in danger and need to be protected.
There’s particular reference to the threats posed by the illegal animal products trade. The body parts of many species are traditionally used in parts of Asia as medical treatments - for example, because of the tiger’s agility and strength, its bones are considered to be a cure for rheumatism, and its genitals an aphrodisiac. Other animal parts fetch vast sums of money for their ornamental value - turtles are hunted for their shells, and elephants for their tusks. One reason why rhino horn is so sought after is that in North Yemen, it is used to make traditional dagger handles, and in Asia, cups carved from the horn are thought to protect against poisoning.
The site has information about the work being done to protect endangered species from further decline - educating people about the alternatives to traditional Chinese medicine, as well as more direct methods like anti-poaching patrols and police raids of restaurants selling bear paw soup. There’s a lot of conservation work going on, and a lot to be done - so you’ll find contacts here too, if you want to find out how you can help.