Vanishing Victuals

Asia's endangered species are being ravaged by rising demand. Just a few of the animals targeted by poachers:

The BASKING SHARK, the second largest shark in the ocean, is endangered because its fins are a popular ingredient in shark's fin soup, which can fetch as much as $100 a bowl in Hong Kong

Meat of the BRUSH-TAILED PORCUPINE, found in southwestern China, India and Southeast Asia, is considered a delicacy in China

The ASIATIC BLACK BEAR is vanishing from mountainous regions of East Asia, Central Asia and Southeast Asia because bile from its gall bladder is used to treat cancer, asthma and other ailments

Scales of the armadillo-like PANGOLIN, found in Southeast Asia, purportedly reduce swelling. Pangolin meat is also considered a nutritious treat

Scent pods from MALE MUSK DEER, prized as medicine to treat pain and swelling, can sell for up to five times the price of gold. At risk throughout Asia, deer populations are under severe pressure in Mongolia

Eggs from the LEATHERBACK TURTLE, once common throughout coastal Asian countries, are sought as an aphrodisiac

A gooey black jelly made from the ground-up shell of the GOLDEN COIN TURTLE, found in Southeast and East Asia, is prized in China as a purported cure for cancer and kidney failure

SEAHORSES from both temperate and tropical waters are dried and ground into a powder to treat impotence and asthma