[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E199-E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE RHINOCEROS AND TIGER REAUTHORIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WAYNE T. GILCHREST

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I am today pleased to introduce 
legislation to extend the authorization of appropriations for the 
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, which is a landmark 
conservation law.
  When the Congress first enacted this proposal seven years ago, the 
population of these two magnificent animals had fallen to record lows. 
It was clear that unless immediate action was taken, these species 
would virtually disappear from their historic range. Fortunately, 
Congress responded to this crisis.
  In the case of the five species of rhinoceros their population status 
was bleak. In fact, the number of African black rhinos alone had fallen 
from 65,000 animals in 1970 to fewer than 2,000 in 1994. In total, 
there were less than 11,000 rhinos living in the wild.
  While human population growth was a major factor in the destruction 
of the rhinoceros habitat, the other major cause of the species decline 
was the huge demand for products made

[[Page E200]]

from rhinoceros horn. Rhinoceros horn has been used for generations to 
treat illnesses in children and for ceremonial purposes in certain 
Middle Eastern countries.
  Despite this grim future, the fate of the five remaining subspecies 
of tigers was even worse. In 1990, there were more than 100,000 tigers 
living in the wild. In 1994, the total was fewer than 5,000 animals 
which represented a decline of 95 percent. As in the case of rhinos, 
the illegal hunting of tigers was the overwhelming factor in their 
demise. Tigers were killed for their fur, and other body parts. Tiger 
bone powders, wines, and tablets were used to combat pain, kidney, 
liver problems, rheumatism, convulsions, and heart conditions.
  Despite the fact that both rhinos and tigers are internationally 
protected, these prohibitions have not been effective. In 1998, the 
Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt testified in support of 
reauthorizing the act when he said, ``This is a small grant program, 
but it is amazing how much even a small amount of money can mean to our 
partners in other countries. Something more intangible--but often even 
more important--is the boost to their morale when they realize that we, 
the United States care enough to help them.'' At that same hearing, the 
president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association stated that, 
``Passage--combined with increased appropriations for law enforcement 
will certainly be a bold step by the United States in ending the 
slaughter of the rhinoceros and tigers in the wild.''
  Since its passage in 1994, Congress has appropriated $2.9 million to 
the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. This money has been matched 
by $4.1 million in private funding. Together this money has been used 
to finance 111 conservation projects in 16 range countries. These 
projects have included: A database on tiger poaching, trade and other 
wildlife crimes in India; desert Rhino conservation and research; 
development of national tiger action plan in Cambodia; establishment of 
a viable population of ``greater one-horned rhinoceros''; public 
education on Siberian tiger conservation; survey and habitat assessment 
for South China tigers; training in anti-poaching techniques for 
rhinoceros in southern national parks; training of staff in Nepal's 
Department of National Parks, and a video on tiger poaching in Russia. 
In addition, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has done a 
superb job of managing the Save the Tiger Fund that has helped to 
educate millions of people about the harmful effects of tiger poaching.
  Since the establishment of this grant program, these conservation 
projects have helped to change international opinion on the need to 
protect their animals. While the job is far from complete, the 
population of both animals has slightly increased and there is new 
found hope of saving their species from extinction. However, it is 
essential that the availability of money to this fund be extended for 
an additional five years. In addition, I will work to increase the 
amount of appropriated money for rhinoceros and tiger projects. The 
good news is that the Department of the Interior financed 111 projects. 
The bad news is that it lacked the resources to fund some 358 other 
projects, many of which were highly meritorious.
  I urge support for the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation 
Reauthorization Act of 2001.

                          ____________________