Asian medicinal products derived from wildlife : a review of public and practitioner perspectives, trade patterns and trends

Abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a practice dating back over 5,000 years. While many individuals in Asian countries believe in the benefits of TCM, such practices may have ties to the black market, specifically to the illicit wildlife trade. The expansion of TCM into new countries is consequently generating a greater demand for wildlife poaching or for animal capture for farming, with ultimate effects on population numbers. This dissertation aimed at gauging the levels of local public awareness (Malta) concerning the potential impacts of TCM on wildlife, using survey methodology. This study also aimed to analyse the perceptions of TCM practitioners in Malta, relating to the impact of this medicinal tradition on wildlife through interviews. In addition to data gathered from these two sources, officials from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority were consulted in order to determine Malta's role in this illicit trade, with data regarding local imports and any documented violations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Trade maps highlighting the routes through which selected smuggled wildlife travels were compiled on the basis of secondary data, to highlight the main countries of interest in terms of illicit imports, exports and sometimes, also transit routes. The study concluded that locally, individuals are generally aware that TCM as a practice exists. The majority felt that TCM does have healing benefits, however, only when used together with Western medicine. Despite being aware of TCM, many respondents were oblivious to the large extent to which animals are illegally used in the tradition. The majority claimed that the use of animals in TCM would still not be justified, even if health benefits were ensured, and many would not purchase TCM including animal parts, even if it was made legal. Local TCM practitioners, although admitting that animals are still used in TCM, argued that the tradition is not related to the illicit wildlife trade. Results also indicated that locally there is no awareness regarding the impacts which TCM has on its affected wildlife species, as officials do not consider this tradition to be an issue in Malta.