Associated Press Information Services
June 25, 2001
WASHINGTON - A measure renewing programs to protect rhinos and
tigers passed the House Monday.
The bill, passed by a voice vote, would reauthorize the Rhinoceros
and Tiger Conservation Act and allow the Interior Department to
spend up to $10 million annually on international efforts to protect
the animals.
The number of rhinos has decreased from 65,000 in 1970 to fewer
than 16,000 now. Officials blame the demand for products made from
rhino horn for the drop in the animal's numbers.
Illegal hunting has had the most dramatic impact on the number
of tigers in the wild. There are now fewer than 6,000 tigers in
the wild, a major drop from the 100,000 alive a century ago. Tigers
are killed for their fur and most body parts.
The conservation programs have been in effect since 1994. The bill
passed Monday extends it until 2007.
The bill is H.R. 645.
It can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov.
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