Animal Diplomacy: Tigers As GiftsGS

Nepal’s tiger population increased from 120 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, a 296% rise.

What is Animal Diplomacy?

Animal diplomacy refers to the practice of giving or lending animals as a gesture of friendship or goodwill between nations.
These animals often hold cultural importance or are unique to the gifting country, making them powerful diplomatic tools.

Orangutan Diplomacy:

It is a Malaysian strategy to improve its image and strengthen ties with other countries through orangutan conservation.
Objective: This effort was aimed at countering negative perceptions of Malaysia’s palm oil industry.

Koala Diplomacy:

This soft diplomacy was used by Australia.
Objective: To strengthen international relations and promote environmental and cultural values.

Panda Diplomacy:

Panda diplomacy is when the Chinese government lends or gives giant pandas to other countries as a way to improve relations and support wildlife conservation.
The practice has been used since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).

Example:
- China’s Panda Diplomacy: Originating in the Tang Dynasty, pandas were gifted by emperors to foreign rulers to symbolize peace and cooperation.
The receiving country often takes measures to protect these animals, fostering mutual collaboration and goodwill.
Historical Practice
- Exotic animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes were commonly exchanged in ancient times.
- Pharaoh Hatshepsut (ancient Egypt’s ruler) who sent a giraffe as a present to the King of Syria around 1500 BC.
Modern Usage
- Since the 20th century, animal diplomacy has become a tool for soft power.
- It is now part of public diplomacy strategies used by some countries.
Significance
- Animal diplomacy helps build and strengthen international relationships.
  - It showcases cultural heritage and promotes goodwill among nations.
- Soft Power Strategy
  - Using animals to project a nation’s values and increase its global appeal.
  - Example: Australia’s “Koala Diplomacy” showcases Australian culture and wildlife conservation efforts.
- Collaborative Conservation Efforts
  - Joint initiatives to protect endangered species and habitats promote trust and partnership.
  - Example: Russia and China’s agreement to protect the endangered Siberian tiger strengthens environmental collaboration.

Harm to Animal Welfare
- Transport and captivity can cause stress, harming animals’ health.
- Example: Pandas often face health problems when unable to adapt to foreign climates.
Exploitation for Political Gains
- Animals are treated as political commodities, ignoring their intrinsic worth.
- Example: Animals are exchanged as diplomatic symbols instead of being prioritized for conservation.
Displacement from Natural Habitat
- Removing animals from their natural environment disrupts ecosystems and harms biodiversity.
- Example: Taking endangered species as gifts can negatively affect local ecological balance.

Ecological Balance : Tigers help control herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing and promoting the growth of grasses, bushes, and forests.
Flood and Weather Mitigation : Their presence supports forest health, which helps slow groundwater release, reducing the risks of floods, river silting, and extreme weather impacts on communities.
Forest Conservation : Protecting a single tiger leads to the conservation of around 10,000 hectares of forest, benefiting various species and ecosystems.
Economic Prosperity: Tiger tourism in areas like Chitwan National Park creates over 4,000 jobs and increases local household incomes through visitor spending, with each rupee spent boosting local income by 1.78 rupees.

Potential Cultural Conflicts: Animal gifts may clash with the cultural or ethical values of recipient countries.
- Example: Gifting cows to vegetarian communities may create cultural or religious controversies.

Shikar Diplomacy:
- During the Rana regime (1846-1951), Nepal organized lavish hunting expeditions for British aristocrats in the Terai region..
  - These events were used as a diplomatic tool to secure political and military favors from the British.
- Consequences of Excessive Hunting
  - Excessive hunting activities during this period caused a drastic decline in Nepal’s wildlife population.
  - By the mid-20th century, several species were on the brink of extinction.
- Other Wildlife as Diplomatic Tools
  - Nepal has a history of gifting endangered animals:
    - One-horned rhinos: Exported 26 rhinos to countries like the US, UK, Japan, and China since 1985.
    - Elephants: In 2024, Nepal gifted two elephants to Qatar.
      - Unlike Nepal, China loans pandas instead of gifting them.

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