China reverses 25-year ban on rhino horns and tiger bones . The Chinese government has announced that it will legalize rhino horns and tiger bones for use in traditional medicine . Traditional Chinese medicine regards these animal parts as powerful ingredients with anti-cancer properties .
The decision has puzzled conservationists. Only 3,900 tigers and 30,000 rhinos remain alive. The Chinese government stressed that the horns and bones could only come from farm animals, not wild ones . Experts believe that the growing presence of tiger farms has led to the reversal of the ban. "In one fell swoop China has destroyed its reputation as a growing leader in conservation after its domestic ban on the sale of ivory earlier this year," the Environmental Investigation Agency told The Associated Press .
