10 tigers slaughtered in Guangdong for body parts  

广东雷州10只老虎先后遭屠杀 虎骨7000元1斤(图)

Picture shows the bloody scene of tiger slaughtering in Leizhou, Guangdong province. (Photo source: Nanfang Daily)

(ECNS)-- At least 10 tigers have been slaughtered for their body parts in Leizhou city, Guangdong province, since 2007, Nanfang Daily reported on Wednesday.

The illegal capturing and slaughtering of the endangered wild tigers was exposed after a tiger smuggling ring was busted by local police this month.

The massive demand for traditional medicine made of tiger parts is the major reason behind the illegal activities.

Tiger bones are sold for 14,000 yuan ($2,254) per kilogram on the black market, while tiger meat goes for 1,000 yuan per kilogram, according to a police officer.

The tigers were smuggled into China from Vietnam. Smugglers find buyers for the meat or bones before they bring the tigers from Vietnam, according to an anonymous source.

The slaughtering has become an open secret among local residents.

A local resident told Nanfang Daily that live tiger slaughtering is also offered as a show for novelty hunters, including local officials and businesses leaders, who want a "visual feast".

Butchers are usually paid 1,000 yuan to slay one tiger, the resident added.