Survey of the medicinal use of wild animals and their by-products in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

In many tropical countries, the use of wild animals, plants and their by-products for traditional medicine is very popular. The Bode Wasinmi Wildlife Market in the Ibadan metropolis was intentionally selected for this study to investigate which wild animals and/or their body parts, were being sold for traditional medicinal purposes. The study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research designs, with data being collected by randomly administering 150 semi-structured questionnaires, coupled with key informant interviews, to traditional medicine vendors and ‘Baba Oloja’. In total, 15 bird, 13 mammal and 5 reptile species or their various parts were sold and used for medicinal purposes. Various parts of wild animals and their derivatives are commonly sold at the market for either spiritual fortification or curing illnesses ranging from viral infections to aches and pains to epilepsy. In terms of the conservation statuses of the wild animal species on display in the market, 12 were common (not of concern by (IUCN) International Union for Conservation of Nature status), 11 were of least concern, 4 were vulnerable, 2 were endangered and 5 were critically endangered. We conclude that the use of wild animals for traditional medicine is widespread in the area regardless of the conservation status of the species. Improved access to effective and affordable health care as well as conservation education is therefore recommended as a long-term solution to prevent the further depletion of wildlife resources.