Utilisation of Pangolin (Manis sps) in traditional Yorubic medicine in Ijebu province, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundConcern about the use of endangered and threatened species in traditional medicine escalated as populations of many species plummeted because of poaching for the medicinal trade. Nigeria is known for a long and valued tradition of using wild animals and plants for medicinal purposes. Despite this, studies on medicinal animals are still scarce when compared to those focusing on medicinal plants. Utilisation of wild animals in traditional Yorubic medical practices was indiscriminate as it involved threatened species. By touting the medicinal properties of these species, traditional medicine fuel continuing demand, thereby subjecting such species to further threats. This paper examined the use and commercialisation of pangolins for traditional medicinal purposes amongst the Ijebus, South-western Nigeria, and the implications of this utilisation for the conservation of this species.MethodsTraditional Yorubic medical practitioners (tymps) (16) and dealers in traditional medicinal ingredients (56) in public markets in Ijebu province, Nigeria, were interviewed using open-ended questionnaires. The dynamic stock movement of pangolins in the stalls of dealers was also monitored to determine quantity of pangolins sold into the traditional Yorubic medicinal practices. Specific conditions treated and the parts required were also documented.ResultsA total of 178 whole pangolin carcasses were sold into traditional medical practices. Above 55% of respondents had just primary education, over 90% of respondents were not aware of either the conservation status of this species or the existence of any legal machinery regulating its trade and utilisation, while 14% admitted to giving contracts to hunters for deliberate search for this animal when needed. More than 98% of respondents have no other means of livelihood. The trade was female dominated while the healing practice had more males. Pangolins were used in various preparations to treat a total of 42 conditions. These include infertility, gastro-intestinal disorders, safe parturition, stomach ulcers, rheumatism and fibroid. Traditional Yorubic medicine also accommodated some situations that are out of the range of conventional medicine like boosting sales, conferring invisibility, removing bad luck, appeasing/wading off witches cum evil forces and money rituals. Some of these situations specifically require juvenile, or even pregnant female animals.ConclusionTraditional Yorubic medical practices eats deep into the reproductive base of the species, presently listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule I of the Nigerian Decree 11 (1985), both of which recommended strict control in sales and utilisation of this species. Its numerous medicinal values, folk culture and financial benefits of these activities are the main factors promoting the commercialisation and use of this species. Pharmacological studies on the various preparations are required to identify the bioactive compounds in them. There is a need for improved and urgent measures to conserve populations of this spe...

Pangolin genomes and the evolution of mammalian scales and immunity

“…Pangolins are mostly nocturnal (the only exception being the long-tailed pangolin) and are thought to have poor vision (Soewu and Ayodele 2009). We screened 217 vision-related genes and identified several candidate genes that were pseudogenized (Fig.…”

Zootherapy and Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria

“…TM plays such a significant role in meeting the health care needs of the majority of Nigerians that 75-80% of the Nigerian population use the services of traditional healers (Gamaniel et al 2005). The figure quoted for Nigeria in that report agrees totally with the submission of World Health Organisation (WHO) that 80% of the world population relies on TM prepared mainly by the use of natural products (animals and plants) to meet their daily health requirements (Soewu and Ayodele 2009). This utilisation involves domestic as well as wild animals.…”

“…Nonavailability of facilities and personnel, and the cost implications of orthodox medicine are other factors that tend to promote the use of traditional medicinal preparations (Soewu and Adekanola 2011). Also the number of traditional medical healers practicing in most regions of the continent is far greater than the number of western medical practitioners; hence, availability of TM invariably outweighs that of orthodox medicine (Soewu and Ayodele 2009). Although there are no accurate records of the total number of traditional healing providers in Nigeria, it has been estimated that there are well over 200, 000 healers spread all over the country.…”

“…The use of these resources for healing purposes comes in various forms of preparation and administration in Nigeria depending on the situation being treated, (Sodeinde and Soewu 1999;Soewu and Ayodele 2009). Preparation of fauna-based traditional medicines could be processed in different forms: a single, specific part of an animal; various combinations of different parts of the same animal species; and combinations of different parts of several animals, plants, minerals and other natural resources (Soewu 2006).…”

Access to common resources and food security: Evidence from National Surveys in Nigeria

“…Nigerians have traditionally exploited wild resources for food (Harris and Mohammed 2003) and other uses (i.e. medicines) (Adebooye and Opabode 2004;Soewu and Ayodele 2009;Soewu and Adekanola 2011). The concerns raised about the sustainability of wild resource use also indicate their importance.…”