BEIJING rowed back today on its decision to allow trading in tiger and rhinoceros parts after fears were raised that it provided legal cover to poaching and smuggling of endangered wildlife.

Cabinet official Ding Xuedong explained that the change had “been postponed after study.

“Relevant departments of the Chinese government will soon continue to organise special crackdown campaigns with focus on addressing the illegal trade of rhinos, tigers and their by-products. Illegal acts will be dealt with severely,” said Mr Ding.

Existing bans on the import and export of rhino and tiger parts and their use in traditional Chinese medicine will also be maintained.

The authorities said last month that they would allow products made from tigers and rhinos to be traded under “special circumstances,” attracting condemnation from conservation groups.

The World Wildlife Fund said that overturning the ban would have “devastating consequences globally” by allowing poachers and smugglers to hide behind legalised trade.