There are seven species of tigers in the world. Two of these, former natives of Indonesia, are now extinct. Vietnam is home to the critically endangered Indochinese tiger (Tigris panthera corbetti).

Tigers are threatened by shrinking habitat and intense hunting pressure resulting from demand for tiger bones and other parts used in traditional medicines. Scientists believe that there may be fewer than 100 tigers left in the wild in Vietnam.

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The head and body of one of four tigers discovered at a Hanoi resident’s house in September 2007.
Photo by Pham Tuyen

There is a widespread belief that the qualities traditionally attributed to tigers, including strength, virility, and wisdom, can be transferred by consuming products derived from a tiger, including a pasty substance made from tiger bones.
Photo by Pham Tuyen

Say goodbye. A sad end for this critically endangered creature of symbolic strength, resting disembowled on a urinal.
Photo by Pham Tuyen

A tiger carcass in a freezer. A recent decision to allow private farms to keep over 40 tigers has alarmed conservationists, concerned that it will encourage others to keep protected species. This could eventually result in the legal commercial trade of tigers born or raised on farms.
Photo by Pham Tuyen

In China, there are an estimated 5000 tigers on farms. Farmers are pushing to legalize the sale of tiger products, however, experts warn that this will only increase demand, making it more difficult for wildlife protection authorities to distinguish between legal and illegal tiger products.

Two tigers discovered during a police raid in January 2008 were transferred to Hanoi’s Soc Son Rescue Center.
Photo by ENV

A tiger cub at a private zoo and adult entertainment complex in Binh Duong province.
Photo by Tim McCormack

Strict enforcement and increased awareness at all levels of society may be the only way to save the tiger in Vietnam. An ENV Nature Club member colors a tiger picture during an endangered species lesson at his school. He hopes that tigers survive these troubled times and remain part of his country’s unique natural heritage.