I heard on the news (or some tv show/documentary) that there are less than 4000 Tigers in existence now.
That blew me away.
[i think the Asian markets use their body parts for various things]
There's a thriving market in asia for parts from rare animals. Basically they associate powerful (take your pick) properties with
anything rare. Of course if it's a justifiably associated body part its generally a stronger reference. You can guess what part the asian community considers the "tiger viagra". That one's very very pricey.
Doesn't matter what it is, doesn't matter what part it is. If it's rare, it must be magic. This drives prices up. Which increases poaching. Which lowers numbers. Which drives prices up.... and round it goes till they're all gone. Rhino horns are another more specific example.
There are very few subjects that really boil my blood, and senselessly wiping out magnificent creatures like that is one of them.
