HÀ NỘI — The Hà Nội Forest Protection Department and World Animal Protection (WAP) finished re-implanting microchips in 200 captive bears earlier this week in the capital city – which boasts the highest number of bile farms as well as captive bears in the country. With latest technology, the new microchips will help monitor the captive bear population effectively without requiring anaesthesia like before. Owing to strict law enforcement and committed support from NGOs and the community, the number of bears in captivity dropped to 1,200 at the end of 2015. Dr Karanvir Kukreja, WAP’s Asia-Pacific wildlife campaign co-ordinator, said microchip re-implantation can fully achieve its aim only if the authorities frequently conduct inspections, monitor the number of bears in bear farms, and make sure that there is no illegal trading of captive bears. The programme will soon extend to other localities where bile farms are prevalent, Kukreja said, adding: “We can only stop when the bear bile industry in Việt Nam is completely eradicated.” — VNS

Source: Viet Nam News August 11, 2017 08:48 UTC