The scandal of animals traded for traditional medicine

The fact that animal parts are used for so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is well-known. The problem has so far been related mostly to China and TCM. A recent article reminds us of the fact that the abuse of animals for SCAM is also an African issue:

The use of animals for zootherapeutic purposes has been reported worldwide, and with the patronage of complementary and alternative medicines being on the ascendency, the trade and use of animal parts will only escalate. Many more of these animals used in traditional medicine will be pushed to extinction if policies for their sustainable use and conservation are not formulated. There have been studies across the world which assessed the trade and use of animals in traditional medicine including Ghana. However, all previous Ghanaian studies were conducted in a few specific cities. It therefore makes it imperative for a nationwide study which would provide more comprehensive information on the trade and use of animals in traditional medicine and its conservation implications. Using direct observation and semi-structured questionnaires, data were collected from 133 vendors of animal parts used in traditional medicines in 48 markets located across all 16 administrative regions of Ghana. Analysis of the data showed that the trade in wild animal parts for traditional medicine was more prevalent in the urban centres of Ghana. Overall, 75 identifiable animal species were traded on Ghanaian traditional medicine markets. Using their relative frequency of citation values, chameleons (Chamaeleo spp.; 0.81), lions (Panthera leo; 0.81) and the West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus; 0.67) were the most commonly traded animals in Ghana. Majority of the vendors (59.1%) indicated that their clients use the animal parts for medicinal purposes mainly for skin diseases, epilepsy and fractures, while clients of 28.2% of the vendors use the animal parts for spiritual or mystical purposes, such as protection against spiritual attacks, spiritual healing and money rituals. Up to 54.2% of the animals were classified as Least Concern by IUCN, 14.7% were threatened, with 51.2% of CITES-listed ones experiencing a decreasing population trend. This study also found that 68.5% of the traded animal species are not listed on CITES, but among those listed, 69.6% are classified under Appendix II. Considering the level of representation of animals of conservation concerns, the harvesting and trade of animal parts for traditional medicine must be regulated. This call is even more urgent since 40.0% of the top ten traded animals are mammals; a class of animals with long gestation periods and are not prolific breeders.

The authors concluded that the trade of animal parts and products for traditional medicine in Ghana is widespread, especially in market centres in the urban area. These animals are used mainly for medicinal purposes, especially skin diseases, but their use for mystical purposes is also prevalent. Again, with the topmost traded animals being those in CITES Appendices I and II, means there is some laxity in the enforcement of laws that are to ensure sustainable use of animal resources. Although a majority of animals traded for traditional medicine may not be currently of conservation concern and not listed under CITES, policymakers and other stakeholders in Ghana and beyond would have to start working on ensuring the survival of the threatened ones and prevent the sliding of the non-threatened species into extinction so the biodiversity will be conserved for the use of the future generation.

All I want to add here is the fact that there is not a shred of evidence that animal parts in SCAM have any positive health effects. It is high time that this barbaric and useless trade stops!