Zootherapy and Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria

Abstract

Zootherapy, the use of animal products in health care delivery is widely accepted among the various constituent nationalities in Nigeria. This practice involves domesticated and wild fauna resources, cutting across all taxa. In addition to health challenges treated by conventional medicine, zootherapy in Nigeria also accommodates situations that are psychological, spiritual or even mystical. The choice of species/parts employed is guided by several factors which include the perceived bioactive constituents, some morpho-physiological characteristics and behavioural ecology, as well as some mythological conceptions associated with the animal. Utilisation of wild animals however, has no consideration for either the sustainability of such uses or the conservation status of the species. Rare, threatened and even endangered species of animals are being used extensively in zootherapeutic practices. This indiscriminate utilisation underscores the need to strike a delicate balance between peoples' custom, health care needs and biodiversity conservation interests.

Exploitation of Pangolins (Pholidota, Mammalia) by Communities Living in and around the Tayna Nature Reserve (RNT) North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

“…The scales covering the dorsum, flanks, tail and which make them appear like a reptile, are one of the principal reasons for their high exploitation. The trade of these scales is undertaken worldwide, particularly in Asian countries for ornamental and medicinal purpose; while African countries exploit pangolins for both meat and scales, used in traditional medicine (Soewu, 2013;Brautigam et al, 1994). Pangolin flesh is known as a delicacy choice meat while the animal is believed to possess a reservoir of medicinal properties, sometimes it is cited for providing mystical power (Soewu & Sodeinde, 2015).…”

Utilization of pangolins in Africa: Fuelling factors, diversity of uses and sustainability

“…Based on this thinking, pangolins and other wild fauna are cropped for uses that the inhabitants desire; be it for food, traditional medicine or cultural ceremonies (Fa, 2000;Wallis, 2004;Wright and Priston, 2010). The exploitation is an "allcomers" affair and is fuelled by high level of unemployment and the attendant widespread poverty (Soewu, 2013b). Also, the skills required for cropping wild animals from the bush can be readily acquired in the community within a short period of time at little or no cost; and in most cases, the animals cropped require little or no further processing before they are disposed.…”

“…Utilization of pangolin as ornament dwells primarily on the scales ( Figure 6). Another Nigerian adage demonstrates the cultural value attached to pangolins; it states that "the only motivation or justification for a man to adorn a flowing gown made with pangolin scales is a flagrant, needless and oppressive display of opulence" (Soewu, 2013b).…”

“…Apart from the scales, whole carcass or other body parts of extant pangolin species are used for additional purposes based on their identified values and established uses. In Africa, these uses include: food as a complementary protein source (Ajayi, 1971;Martin, 1983;Ntiamoa-Baidu, 1987;Wallis, 2004;Wright and Priston, 2010); traditional medicinal preparations, and as ornaments (Soewu, 2013b). Pangolin carcass is known as a delicacy of choice while the animal is believed to possess a reservoir of medicinal, sometimes mystical properties (Soewu and Adekanola, 2011).…”

Challenges of wildlife with therapeutic properties in Nigeria; a conservation perspective

“…12 Zootherapy (animals with therapeutics properties) has a broad geographical distribution and very deep historical origins in many parts of the world. For instance, Sowed 13 reported that zootherapy is widely accepted among different nationality in Nigeria. The authors further reported Zootherapy in Nigeria also involves psychological, spiritual or even mystical backgrounds.…”