NEWSLINK-CHINA-Tiger bone wine on sale in China: Elite fuelling barbaric trade in big cat products they see as status symbols

China's elite have angered animal rights groups by rediscovering their taste for tiger products. Wealthy Chinese are buying tiger bone wine and tiger skin rugs as status symbols to show off their riches. The wine – which is sold openly in shops – is made using the bones of tigers and sells for £200 for an eight-year vintage. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2895049/Tiger-bone-wine-sale-China-Elite-fuelling-barbaric-trade-big-cat-products-status-symbols.html#ixzz3Nlhf8mjx Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on FacebookThe barbaric trade is on the rise because of the increase in the number of tiger farms in China. The global wild tiger population is estimated to be fewer than 4,000, but it is understood 6,000 are being held in 200 farms across China. The Environmental Investigation Agency, an international pressure group which exposed the trade, said that the increased supply has resulted in more demand. Spokeswoman Debbie Banks said: ‘The argument put forward by the tiger-farming lobby is that farmed tiger products will flood the market, relieving pressure on wild tigers. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2895049/Tiger-bone-wine-sale-China-Elite-fuelling-barbaric-trade-big-cat-products-status-symbols.html#ixzz3NlhUNkyQ