New Delhi, January 11: With China gearing up to mark 2010 as Year of the Golden Tiger when the demand for the animal parts and derivatives are expected to shoot up, forest reserves which are home to the big cats in India have been put on high alert against possible poaching.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of a Golden Tiger which begins on February 14 and ends on February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the cycle of Chinese Zodiac which consists of 12 animal signs.
There are apprehensions that this would fuel illegal trade in the body parts of the animals in Indian forests to meet the demand for Chinese traditional medicines which are widely used for various purposes.
–Agencies