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He who rides the tiger is afraid to dismount.

1/21/2015

6 Comments

 
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Red squirrels are making a comeback in some areas of England, after the gray continental squirrel almost took over. Unfortunately the same can't be claimed for unicorns. How I wish I could see the mythical beast, shining white mane and tail swishing in the moonlight. They must have once roamed the green fields of home because the creature forms part of the English coat of arms along with the lion. However, the only lions to live in the country were imported, and spent their remaining days in captivity.



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Just imagine a future world without real tigers. Around 70% of the world’s wild tigers live in India, where their habitat has been threatened by uncontrolled development and poaching. The magnificent beasts could one day be a memory too because of the robust demand for their body parts to use in the Eastern Asian and Chinese traditional medicine. In the lawless, poor northern state of Uttar Pradesh, tiger numbers have fallen, officials have said, with some reserves losing almost half of their population.

But there is good news. Although the overall current tiger population is a fraction of the 45,000 that roamed India a century ago, their numbers are once again increasing. Official information collected by the use of camera traps, state a rise of a third in the last three years.

Will man and animal ever live side by side in peace? Surely there is enough room for all.

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Back in the 60s & 70s, Singapore limited each family to two children to control the increase in numbers. In 1987 they allowed three or more children, but only if families could afford it. Don't jump down my throat if your family is expanding. I'm just making a point. Although Singapore took the initial action for economic reasons, we could use their example to stop the increase of human population. Soon it will be too late.

I hope tigers will roam the wild, rather than linger in the memory by way of a child's stuffed toy.

What does the Chinese proverb He who rides the tiger is afraid to dismount mean to you? He'll eat you, or you'll lose him?


6 Comments
Alana link
1/20/2015 07:28:29 pm

We ride the tiger of events we have put in motion. Sometimes, events in our life move so fast that all we can do it cling to that tiger of life and just wait until the ride slows down. As much as I can love the natural world, we (in the United States) have bears coming into a lot of suburban neighborhoods because of destruction of environment. There have been some dangerous encounters. A friend saw a bear while taking an after dinner walk. It's frightening but I do hope tigers can co exist with humans successfully.

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Terri link
1/20/2015 09:22:07 pm

very very interesting piece of writing. Gives ya something to think about

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sojourner link
1/21/2015 12:04:17 am

Great insight. Man versus beast is quite a delicate and at times dangerous balance. I do hope tigers are able to thrive in peace. I don't think however that restricting a certain populations numbers is the perfect answer.

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Joan Harrington link
1/21/2015 12:43:46 am

Very interesting post, Francene! Thanks for sharing :)

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Tamala link
1/21/2015 02:23:59 am

Very very happy to hear that the tiger population is increasing. They are so beautiful and are GODS creations... they should be here... :)

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V.J.Maheu link
1/21/2015 02:49:12 am

Well, I disagree with any law that tries to force a limit on how many children you can have. That's not to say that I don't think its a good idea to keep your family small, but just that it should be personal choice.
I do however agree completely that we should protect tigers and all other animals from extinction, and in my opinion the Asian countries where these beautiful cats live should worry less about how many kids there are, and more about coming down seriously on those who poach these animals and those who sell the "medicines" made from them. I think it would be awesome if a global organization similar to the UN could buy land from countries with endangered species, and set up sanctuary lands for the animals.

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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