Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn

May 2, 2005
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) frequently relies on medicines created from the body parts of animals that are rumored to have curative properties. Sea horses, for example, when consumed in large quantities, are alleged to cure everything from asthma to impotency. A worldwide interest in alternative medicine and the ease of international commerce have put dozens of species worldwide—such as American bears and African rhinos—at risk. The problem is serious, which makes it all the more unfortunate that veteran nature writer Ellis (The Empty Ocean
) dilutes the issue by devoting so much space to other reasons why various species are on the verge of extinction. He also seems reluctant to blame TCM itself for creating the problem, especially given the lack of evidence of medical benefits for many of its practices. Ellis repeatedly puts forth the altruistic notion that if people only knew these remedies were obtained at the risk of other species' extinction, demand would decrease. Similarly, he suggests that making Viagra widely available will reduce the market for animal-based aphrodisiacs. Such optimism suggests that, while Ellis displays an exemplary knowledge of the animal kingdom, he has a few things left to learn about human nature. B&w photos.

May 1, 2005
Ellis, a superb and prolific science writer, is an authority on marine life, which, as he documents so precisely in " The Empty Ocean" (2003), is in precipitous decline. He now presents a disturbing account of impending extinctions on land because of the ever-growing demand for animal parts, especially those of tigers and rhinos, by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. So many human-generated forces, from habitat destruction to pollution, are killing off species, it's especially bitter to see a venerable 3,000-year-old medical practice contributing to the catastrophe. Especially since, as Ellis reveals in this carefully researched report, many of the current claims associated with the medicinal value of tiger bones, rhino horn, and bear bile are spurious. But reality hasn't stopped the rising demand for these illegal substances, and as the populations of endangered animals rapidly decline, the profits to be made by poachers and smugglers rise. It's a complicated and urgent situation, and Ellis' meticulous and balanced report reveals the need for increased wildlife protection and a renewed assault on the trafficking in animal parts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)