Starting from Feb. 14, many Asian countries will celebrate the coming of the Year of the Tiger. However, it’s not a happy year for the big cats, with less than 3200 tigers left in the wild globally. Loss of habitat is one of the key problems facing tigers.  Poaching and the trade in tiger skins and bones is also a serious problem. Here in China, wild tiger population is also in danger. Estimates say China’s wild tiger population could be as low as 50.  Some experts even warn that if drastic steps aren’t taken tigers could be extinct in the wild in China by the next year of the tiger in 2022.

What can be done to save tigers both in China and around the world?  Is it possible for tigers and humans to coexist?

Ni hao, you’re listening to  People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com, and here on China Radio International.  In this edition of the show we’ll find out what needs to be done to save China’s tigers.  So let’s get started.

First we’ll speak with Philip J. Nyhus.  Mr. Nyhus is Assistant Professor of Envirnmental Studies at Colby College and co-editor of a book on tiger conservation.

(Dialogue with Professor Nyhus)

And after a short break, we’ll hear more about the human impact on the tiger population.  

Ni hao, you’re listening to  People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  I’m Thomas Rippe in Beijing.  China’s efforts to save the giant panda have been very successful.  But tigers need a lot more space, and food.  And they’re more likely to come into conflict with humans.

For more on efforts to save China’s tigers we’ll speak with Dr. Zhu Chunquan, Conservation Director of Biodiversity at the World Wildlife Fund in Beijing.

(Dialogue with Dr. Zhu)

And finally we’ll speak with Steve Trent.  He’s President of Wild Aid, an organization that works to stop the trade in endangered animals.

(Dialogue with Mr. Trent

And with that we close out this edition of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.

China’s wild tiger population has dropped dramatically in the last 50 years, mostly due to habitat loss and poaching.  But efforts by the government and international organizations are raising hope that the remaining tigers can be saved.

Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn.  You can also listen to our show on your mobile by logging onto m.cri.cn.  For Producers Xu Yang, Chen Mo and Lu Yuan and Interns and Zhu Xinwei, I’m Thomas Rippe in Beijing.  Be sure to tune in next week for our special series “2010 World Focus,” a look at the major events and trends shaping the world this year.