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Khan AM, Altaf M, Hussain T, Hamed MH, Safdar U, Ayub A, Memon ZN, Hafiz A, Ashraf S, Amjad MS, Majeed M, Hassan M, Bussmann RW, Abbasi AM, Al-Yafrsi M, Elansary HO, Mahmoud EA. Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1351693. [PMID: 38681848 PMCID: PMC11045910 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1351693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Methods Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). Results The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. Discussion The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid Khan
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Altaf
- Institute of Forest Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Institute of Forest Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - M. Haroon Hamed
- Department of Zoology Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Umaira Safdar
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amina Ayub
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zaibun-nisa Memon
- Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Hafiz
- Department of Zoology, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sana Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, University of Lahore, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shoaib Amjad
- Department of Botany, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bagh, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Majeed
- Department of Botany, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Musheerul Hassan
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Alpine Institute of Management and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rainer W. Bussmann
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Staatliches Museum Für Naturkunde, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Arshad Mahmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed Al-Yafrsi
- Department of Plant Production, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam O. Elansary
- Department of Plant Production, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman A. Mahmoud
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
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Aragão Silva JA, Dos Santos Soares LM, Ferreira FS, da Silva AB, Souto WMS. Use of wild vertebrates for consumption and bushmeat trade in Brazil: a review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:64. [PMID: 38111028 PMCID: PMC10729539 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bushmeat is a resource exploited by thousands of people around the world, especially in tropical and neotropical regions, constituting an important source of protein and income. But what is known, so far, about the consumption and trade of wild vertebrate meat (hereinafter "bushmeat") in a megadiverse country like Brazil? This question was answered through a systematic survey of publications on the consumption and trade of wild vertebrate meat made in Brazil between 2011 and 2021. METHODS We selected 63 scientific articles available on "Google Scholar," "Science Direct," "Scopus," " Web of Science" and "Portal de Periódico da CAPES." The articles were categorized as: exclusive to (1) consumption or (2) bushmeat trade, totals of 54 and three articles, respectively; both (3) consumption and trade bushmeat, totaling six articles. We applied a nonparametric Spearman's correlation analysis to verify the association between the number of papers and the species richness of wild vertebrates cited for consumption by Brazilian state. RESULTS The results revealed that the publications were concentrated in the Northeast (36), North (26) and Southeast (1) regions, distributed across 16 states of the federation. These data reinforce the need for more researches in states and other regions of the country. Our research hypothesis was confirmed, since the richness of species cited for meat consumption was positively associated with the amount of work carried out by the states of the federation. We identified a total of 321 species of wild vertebrates mentioned in the categories involving the consumption of bushmeat. We had a greater bird species richness mentioned for consumption (170) to the detriment of mammals (107), reptiles (40) and amphibians (4). Furthermore, in the articles involving the bushmeat trade categories we had 57 species of vertebrates mentioned, with mammals being the most representative in terms of species richness (29), to the detriment of birds (20) and reptiles (8). These data reinforce that birds and mammals have been the groups most used both for consumption and trade in bushmeat in the country's regions, and it is necessary to mitigate the hunting exploitation of these groups. We recorded that socioeconomic, biological, environmental and sociocultural factors were the most cited predictors of the consumption and trade of bushmeat in the articles. We identified that the bushmeat trade chain is dynamic and ramified, made up of several actors, including specialized and diversified hunters, intermediaries, market sellers, market vendors, restaurant owners and final customers. Public markets and open-air fairs were the most cited places for buying and selling wild meat in commerce. CONCLUSIONS In general, our results indicate that we have made significant advances in publications on the consumption and trade of bushmeat in Brazil over the last few years. However, we highlight the need to better understand the patterns of consumption and trade of bushmeat in different regions of the country, as well as the factors associated with the dynamics of the trade chain and uses of wildlife by local communities. We emphasized that a multidimensional understanding of hunting activities is important to face socio-ecological problems and improve the conservation of target species which have continually been explored for uses by populations in different regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Augusto Aragão Silva
- Development and Environment Graduated Program, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Piauí, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil.
| | | | - Felipe Silva Ferreira
- Graduated Program in Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Vale de São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, PE, CEP: 56304-917, Brazil
| | - André Bastos da Silva
- Development and Environment Graduated Program, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Piauí, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
- State University of Maranhão (UEMA), Coelho Neto, MA, CEP: 65620-000, Brazil
| | - Wedson Medeiros Silva Souto
- Development and Environment Graduated Program, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Piauí, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
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Adil S, Altaf M, Hussain T, Umair M, Ni J, Abbasi AM, Bussmann RW, Ashraf S. Cultural and Medicinal Use of Amphibians and Reptiles by Indigenous People in Punjab, Pakistan with Comments on Conservation Implications for Herpetofauna. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162062. [PMID: 36009651 PMCID: PMC9405124 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Humans have interacted with reptile and amphibian species for millennia. The current study was designed to collect knowledge about the use of amphibian and reptile species by the native peoples residing along the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in Punjab, Pakistan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative assessment of the cultural uses of amphibian and reptile species in the study area. However, hunting, trade, and cultural use are the greatest threats to the diversity of the amphibians and reptiles in the studied area. These threats can potentially lead to their extinction. It is important to protect the highly endangered and vulnerable species employed in therapeutic medications, more specifically in terms of their conservation. Abstract Amphibians and reptiles have interacted with humans for millennia. However, humans interact with amphibian and reptile species in different manners, which depend on their culture and traditions. This study was designed to better understand the interactions between amphibian and reptile species and their usage among the native peoples in the vicinity of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, Pakistan. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, and was analyzed by using different indices, including the frequency of citation, corrected fidelity level, fidelity level, relative importance level, and informant major ailment. Two amphibians and twenty-six reptile species were used in therapeutic medicine in the study area. Based on the cultural analysis, we found that Naja naja (black cobra) was highly cited across all cultural groups. A 100% Fidelity Level was calculated for the following species: Naja naja (eye infection), Varanus bengalensis (joint pain), Eurylepis taeniolatus (cataract), and Acanthodactylus cantoris (cancer). We found five endangered species in the study area, i.e., Aspideretes gangeticus, A. hurum, Chitra indica, Varanus flavescens, and Geoclemys hamiltonii, that were used to cure joint pain, muscle stretching and pain, backbone pain, paralysis, and psoriasis, respectively. Likewise, Lissemys punctata andersoni, a vulnerable species as labelled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was extensively used for the treatment of joint pain, body pain, paralysis, and arthritis in the study area. In terms of conservation, it is critical to protect the highly vulnerable and endangered species that are being used in therapeutic medicines. Our findings may be helpful for the conservation of amphibian and reptile species by helping to make an effective plan to prevent their extinction. The main threats to the diversity of amphibian and reptile species in the area are hunting, trading, and cultural use. These threats could potentially lead to the extinction of these species. Therefore, with the involvement of concerned authorities, e.g., local stakeholders, the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial wildlife departments, academia, and conservation managers, immediate conservation measures should be taken for the protection and sustainable utilization of medicinal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Adil
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Department of Zoology, Sargodha Campus, University of Lahore, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Jian Ni
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, Abbottabad Campus, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
| | - Rainer W. Bussmann
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany and Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden, Ilia State University, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
| | - Sana Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Sargodha Campus, University of Lahore, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
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Faiz M, Altaf M, Umair M, Almarry KS, Elbadawi YB, Abbasi AM. Traditional Uses of Animals in the Himalayan Region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:807831. [PMID: 35847043 PMCID: PMC9277021 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.807831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of animals and animal-derived products in ethnopharmacological applications is an ancient human practice that continues in many regions today. The local people of the Himalayan region harbor rich traditional knowledge used to treat a variety of human ailments. The present study was intended with the aim of examining animal-based traditional medicine utilized by the population of the Himalayan region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.Methods: Data were collected from 2017 to 2019 through individual and group interviews. Data on traditional uses of animal products were analyzed, utilizing following indices such as the frequency of citation, use value, relative importance, similarity index, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis to find the highly preferred species in the area.Results: Ethnomedicinal uses of 62 species of vertebrates and invertebrates were documented. Flesh, fat, bone, whole body, milk, skin, egg, head, feathers, bile, blood, and honey were all used in these applications. The uses of 25 animals are reported here for the first time from the study area (mainly insects and birds, including iconic species like the kalij pheasant, Lophura leucomelanos; Himalayan monal, L. impejanus; and western tragopon, Tragopan melanocephalus). The diversity and range of animal-based medicines utilized in these communities are indications of their strong connections with local ecosystems.Conclusion: Our results provide baseline data valuable for the conservation of vertebrate and invertebrate diversity in the region of Himalayan of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It is possible that screening this fauna for medicinally active chemicals could contribute to the development of new animal-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Faiz
- Department of Zoology, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-Pakistan, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- *Correspondence: Muhammad Umair, , ; Arshad Mehmood Abbasi, ,
| | - Khalid S. Almarry
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya B. Elbadawi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Muhammad Umair, , ; Arshad Mehmood Abbasi, ,
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Getachew M, Alimaw Y, Belayneh A, Kebede B, Tadege G, Abebe D. A systematic review on traditional medicinal Animal's parts and products used for the treatment of respiratory tract disorders in Ethiopia. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 19:543-551. [PMID: 35531790 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory diseases affect more than one billion people worldwide. Although medicinal animals have huge importance in primary health care, limited effort applied so far been in Ethiopia to properly identify, document, and conserve these animals and the related knowledge. This systematic review was aimed to identify the medicinal animals and document reports on the use of medicinal animals for the management of respiratory disorders. METHODS Both published and unpublished articles on the ethnozoological use of medicinal animals were searched using electronic database (Science Direct, Pub Med, Google Scholar, Scopus, hinari, and research gate) and institutional repositories. Different keywords were used separately and in combination using Boolean operators "OR" or "AND" as well as medical subject heading [MeSH] terms. Studies that did not address respiratory disorders were excluded. Data were extracted using Microsoft excel spread sheet. RESULTS Among 211 articles obtained from database searches, nine articles were eligible and included in the review. Thirty two medicinal animals were reported for treatment of respiratory disorders. Mammals were the most commonly (43.8%) used medicinal animals. Meat was reported as the most commonly (22.6%) used medicinal remedy. CONCLUSIONS Most of the medicinal remedies were obtained from mammals and administered orally. As the majority of the medicinal animals were obtained from wild sources, due attention should be given to conserve them. Besides, this traditional medicinal knowledge should be integrated to modern medicine to investigate the acute and chronic toxicity profile and efficacy of these remedies to identify potential lead compounds to modern drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melese Getachew
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yigardush Alimaw
- Department of Sociology, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Belayneh
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Kebede
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Tadege
- Department of Pharmacy, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia
| | - Dehnnet Abebe
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Abebe D, Molla Y, Belayneh A, Kebede B, Getachew M, Alimaw Y. Ethnozoological study of medicinal animals and animals' products used by traditional medicinal practitioners and indigenous people in Motta city administration and Hulet Eju Enessie District, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08829. [PMID: 35128112 PMCID: PMC8808067 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, many ethnic communities use traditional/indigenous medicine for primary health care. However, this indigenous medicinal practice is being neglected and continued to be lost due to poor documentation as they are transferred from generation to generation through oral tradition. Therefore, this ethnozoological study aimed to assess and document the medicinal use of animals and animals’ products used by traditional medicinal practitioners and indigenous people in Motta city administration and Hulet Eju Enessie Districts, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Methods Cross-sectional ethnozoological survey was conducted using a Semi-structured questionnaire among purposively selected respondents in Motta city administration and Hulet Eju Enessie District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia from September 2020 to June 2021 GC. The ethnozoological data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Microsoft Excell Spreadsheet. Fidelity level, use-value, and informant consensus factor were determined. Results A total of 25 animal species were reported to be used for the treatment of different ailments by 33 informants. The majority of animals (64%) were mammals followed by birds (16%). The fidelity level ranged from 18.2 (Hyena for bad spirit) to 100% (stingless be for asthma, Tiger for rabies virus, Whisper for nightmare). Conclusion This study showed the wide use of medicinal animals and their parts/products for meeting the primary healthcare needs of the community in the study area. Therefore, this ethnozoological medicinal knowledge needs to be integrated with modern medicine to use animals/animals’ products as a potential source of effective drugs for different ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehnnet Abebe
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
| | - Yalew Molla
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
| | | | - Bekalu Kebede
- Department of Pharmacy, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
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Dubost JM, Kongchack P, Deharo E, Sysay P, Her C, Vichith L, Sébastien D, Krief S. Zootherapeutic uses of animals excreta: the case of elephant dung and urine use in Sayaboury province, Laos. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2021; 17:62. [PMID: 34711254 PMCID: PMC8552211 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-021-00484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a widespread aversion towards faeces and urine, animal excreta are used in traditional medicine in many countries since centuries, but records are scattered and few therapeutic uses have been accurately documented while in the current context of emerging zoonoses such records may be of major interest. METHODOLOGY In this study, we investigated the therapeutic uses that mahouts in Xayaboury province, Lao PDR make of elephant urine and faeces as well as of the brood chamber that beetles (Heliocopris dominus) fashion from elephant dung. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mahouts on elephant diet, health problems and responses to disease, andwhether they use elephant products. Data were supplemented by interviews with traditional healers. RESULTS Seven respondents reported the use of elephant urine in ethnoveterinary care for elephants and in human medicine in case of diabetes and otitis. 25 respondents reported therapeutic use of elephant faeces (EF) and elephant dung beetle brood chambers. The major indications are gastrointestinal and skin problems. Macerations or decoctions are drunk or used externally as a lotion. The mahouts attribute the therapeutic effectiveness of EFs to their content which includes the remains of many species from the elephant diet which they consider to be medicinal. DISCUSSION The indications of these uses are consistent with pharmacological and clinical studies highlighting the properties of different animals' urine and faeces and their curative potential tested in vivo. The acknowledgement by the mahouts of medicinal properties of elephant faecal bolus contrasts with the rare justifications of animal material use recorded in zootherapeutic studies, which falls within the symbolic domain. However, numerous studies highlight the preponderant role of the microbiota in physiological processes, raising the hypothesis of a curative action of EF, by rebalancing the user's microbiota. CONCLUSION The therapeutic uses of EF preparations despite their possible curative properties are a potential source of zoonotic transmission from elephants to humans. In the current context of globalisation of trade which favours the emergence of zoonoses and in relation with the issue of One Health, it becomes crucial to further document the zootherapeutic practices to prevent emerging diseases. As elephants and local related ethnoethological knowledge are threatened, documenting them is urgent to contribute to their preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Dubost
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMR 7206, Paris, France.
- UMR 152 Pharmadev, IRD, UPS, 35 chemin des maraîchers, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Eric Deharo
- UMR 152 Pharmadev, IRD, UPS, 35 chemin des maraîchers, Université Paul Sabatier, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Palamy Sysay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Chithdavone Her
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Lamxay Vichith
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Natural Sciences, National University of Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Duffillot Sébastien
- Elephant Conservation Center, Nam Tien Reservoir, Xayabury District, Lao PDR
| | - Sabrina Krief
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMR 7206, Paris, France
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Boakye MK, Wiafe ED, Ziekah MY. Ethnomedicinal use of pythons by traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana. AFR J HERPETOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2021.1976288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell K Boakye
- Department of Environmental Science, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana
| | - Edward D Wiafe
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Meyir Y Ziekah
- Kumasi Zoological Garden, Forestry Commission (Wildlife Division), Kumasi, Ghana
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da Silva Policarpo Brito I, Borges AKM, de Faria Lopes S, Dias TLP, Alves RRN. Environmental influence on the choice of medicinal animals: a case study from northeastern Brazil. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:55. [PMID: 31771592 PMCID: PMC6880416 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animals from various taxonomic groups are commonly used in folk medicine, and their selection seems to be directly linked to their availability and accessibility. In the present study, we analyzed the use of animals as a source of folk medicines in a community in northeastern Brazil with access to aquatic and terrestrial animals. We hypothesize that the medicinal fauna is well represented by species of both habitat types. METHODS For the collection of information, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to local residents. RESULTS We recorded the use of 22 animals used as medicinal resources in the community, distributed among eight taxonomic categories, which are used to treat 38 types of diseases. Of the therapeutic animals, 14 species are terrestrial and 8 species can be considered aquatic occurring in marine or estuarine habitats. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm the tendency of human communities to use affordable medicinal animals in local ecosystems. We also found that medicinal use represents a strategy of optimizing the use of resources and is related to the economic, historical, social, cultural, and ecological contexts in which the community is inserted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iamara da Silva Policarpo Brito
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil.
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus, Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-753, Brazil.
| | - Anna Karolina Martins Borges
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus, Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-753, Brazil
| | - Sérgio de Faria Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus, Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-753, Brazil
| | - Thelma Lúcia Pereira Dias
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus, Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-753, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58051-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus, Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-753, Brazil
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Shrestha B, Gurung MB. Ethnoherpetological notes regarding the paha frogs and conservation implication in Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha District, Nepal. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:23. [PMID: 31077223 PMCID: PMC6511138 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paha hunting is a commonplace recreational activity in the mountainous regions of Nepal. The collection is primarily for food use and secondarily preferred as medicinal forms, and utilized by many ethnic groups: Magar, Rai, Gurung, Jirel, etc. in different parts of the country. In this study, we documented the ethnoherpetological relationship of the local community with paha frogs in Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha District, Nepal. We confirmed the use of three species of paha, namely Nanorana liebigii, known locally as Man paha, Ombrana sikimensis, and Amolops formosus by the local community and recorded information on paha hunting strategy, meat preparation and storage techniques, zootherapeutic benefits, quantities harvested, and population status perception. METHODS We conducted our fieldwork in the period between April 2016 and March 2017 in major settlements of Sirdibas, Chumchet, Bihi, and Prok villages. We interviewed 50 people (39 males and 11 females) using a semi-structured questionnaire format and recorded open interviews with potential informants. Our survey focused mainly over Sirdibas village inhabited by Gurungs. RESULTS People usually hunted paha in Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August) season either by flashing torchlight at night time (45.7%) or flipping big rocks under the water (29.6%). Nanorana liebigii (50%) is highly preferred for its dual purpose of delicacy and medicine, while Ombrana sikimensis (33.33%) solely considered for food and Amolops formosus (16.67%) for medicine. Majority of the people (43.90%) collected 51-100 individuals of paha at one hunting season and sold locally in the price range between NPR 50-250 (USD 0.45-2.26). People opined paha numbers have diminished over the last decade (76%), suggested strict regulation of hunting (58.5%), and educational campaigns (29.2%) as measures of protection. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated the difference in ethnoherpetological relationship among the Gurung community in lower Sirdibas village and the Tibetan Lama community in Manaslu. Since frogs around the world are in rapid decline, it is imperative that recreational killings of paha need to be checked with regulatory mechanisms across Nepal. There is an urgent need to shelter paha frogs under wildlife protection regulation and prioritize for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biraj Shrestha
- Resources Himalaya Foundation, Naya bato, Sanepa, Ring road, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Min Bahadur Gurung
- Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, Kumaripati, Lalitpur, Nepal
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de Oliveira JV, de Faria Lopes S, Barboza RRD, de Melo Brito Trovão DM, Ramos MB, Nóbrega Alves RR. Wild vertebrates and their representation by urban/rural students in a region of northeast Brazil. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:1. [PMID: 30611288 PMCID: PMC6321674 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-018-0283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition of the diversity of living beings, including the classification and naming of species, is a fundamental condition for biological literacy with the aim of developing critical awareness of human relationships with nature, and for which formal education plays an important role. The present study aimed to analyze the representation that urban/rural students have for wild vertebrates and their main sources of knowledge. METHODS Data collection took place in three public schools, one urban and two rural, in the municipality of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Questionnaires were given to 990 students (528 urban and 462 rural), distributed among all the grades that comprise middle school (Ensino Fundamental II, grades 6-9) and high school (Ensino Médio, grades 10-12) education. RESULTS A total of 5877 citations were mentioned by the students, which corresponded to 224 distinct animals with 166 (72.0%) being wild vertebrates, 24 (25.7%) being domestic vertebrates, and 34 (2.3%) being invertebrates. Mammals and reptiles had the greatest observed richness of citations, while mammals (H' = 3.37), birds (H' = 2.84), and invertebrates (H' = 2.94) had the greatest diversity. Positive correlations were found between citations of wild vertebrates and family income (rt = 0.06; P < 0.05) and curricular development (rs = 0.08; P < 0.01); negative correlations were found between curricular development and citations of domestic animals (rs = - 0.22; rs = - 0.11 P < 0.01) and between age group and citations of invertebrates (r = - 0.14; rs = - 0.11 P < 0.01). As for the sources of knowledge regarding the animals indicated by the students, "media," "daily experiences," "tradition" (here understood as knowledge resulting from interactions with parents and experienced community members), and "formal education" stood out. CONCLUSIONS Comprehension of vertebrate diversity is a fundamental condition for the development of attitudes compatible with its conservation, which emphasizes the importance of biological literacy in achieving this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Valberto de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Consevação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande-PB, 58109-753 Brazil
| | - Sérgio de Faria Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Consevação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande-PB, 58109-753 Brazil
| | - Raynner Rilke Duarte Barboza
- Escola Agrotecnica EAGRO, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Rodovia BR 174, Km 37, s/n – P.A. Nova Amazônia, Campus Murupu, Boa Vista-RR, 69.300-000 Brazil
| | - Dilma Maria de Melo Brito Trovão
- Departamento de Biologia e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Consevação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande-PB, 58109-753 Brazil
| | - Maiara Bezerra Ramos
- Departamento de Biologia e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Consevação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande-PB, 58109-753 Brazil
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Departamento de Biologia e Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Consevação da Natureza, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande-PB, 58109-753 Brazil
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Altaf M, Umair M, Abbasi AR, Muhammad N, Abbasi AM. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal species by the local communities of Punjab, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2018; 14:55. [PMID: 30111346 PMCID: PMC6094468 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-018-0253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different species of animals are being utilized in traditional therapies by various cultures for a long time and such uses still exist in folk medicine. The present study aimed to document animal-based traditional therapies used by the local communities of Jhelum and Lahore districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan. METHODS Field surveys were conducted in 2015-2016 in six different sites of the study areas. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and face to face conversation with local informants. RESULTS The ethnomedicinal uses of 57 species of animals including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibian, and invertebrates (30, 25, 25, 7, 3.5, and 3.5%, respectively) were documented. Meat, oil, brain, fats, milk, eggs, and skin were the most utilized body parts. Ovis orientalis punjabiensis, Francolinus francolinus, Sperata sarwari, Channa punctata, Oreochromis niloticus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, and Carassius auratus were reported for the first time to treat human diseases, i.e., allergy, epilepsy, fever, joint pain, and backache, to act as aphrodisiac, and to enhance memory. Streptopelia decaocto and S. tranquebarica were the most frequently utilized species with highest frequency of citation (32 for each). Columba livia depicted highest fidelity level and used value of 92.86% and 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Being agro-pastoralists, the inhabitants of Jhelum possess more traditional knowledge compared to Lahore. The present study could be important for conservation and sustainable use of animal biodiversity in this region. Additionally, detailed study on chemical profiling and bioactivities may lead to animal-based novel drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Zoology, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Abdul Rauf Abbasi
- Statistical Wing, Department of Mathematics, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Noor Muhammad
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan
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Kim G, Kim H, Song MJ. Ethnopharmacological implications of quantitative and network analysis for traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal use of animals by indigenous people in Wolchulsan National Park, Korea. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 213:1-11. [PMID: 29100933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The purpose of this study was to record, analyze, and identify ethnopharmacological implications for oral traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal use of animals by indigenous people living in Wolchulsan National Park, Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected through interviews, informal meetings, open and group discussions, and observations guided by semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed via quantitative analysis of informant consensus factor and fidelity level, and network analysis, including centrality and clustering analysis. RESULTS A total of 46 families, 59 genera, and 60 species of animals, as well as 373 methods of usage, were recorded. Fish comprised 31.7% of the total animal species recorded, followed by mammals at 20.0%, arthropods at 18.3%, and mollusks at 11.7%. Of these animals, 48.0% were utilized as food and 46.1% for medicinal use. Quantitative analysis showed that the category with the highest degree of consensus from informants was veterinary ailments (informant consensus factor value, 0.96). This was followed by poisonings (0.93), pains (0.92), genitourinary system disorders (0.91), cuts and wounds (0.89), and other medical conditions. The lowest degree of consensus was for skin diseases and disorders (0.57). There were 8 species of animals with a fidelity level of 100%, after eliminating from the animals analyzed that were mentioned only once. Finally, using network analysis, Gallus gallus domesticus and Gloydius brevicaudus were defined as species with meaningful medicinal use, while lack of vigor and lung diseases were defined as significant ailments in the study area. CONCLUSION This study validates that local communities use animals not only for food but also for medicinal purposes as crucial therapeutic measures. Therefore, the conservation of fauna and preservation of traditional knowledge need to be seriously considered to maintain the health and well-being of the local communities. Network analysis clarified the series of ailments for which each animal species is preferentially used and helped confirm the order of priority when prescribing animal components for medicinal use. The traditional knowledge recorded in the present study will provide the basic data to develop new medicines for the bioindustry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Kim
- School of Alternative Medicine and Health Science, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi-Jang Song
- Department of Integrated Bio-Resource Science, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea.
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Altaf M, Javid A, Umair M, Iqbal KJ, Rasheed Z, Abbasi AM. Ethnomedicinal and cultural practices of mammals and birds in the vicinity of river Chenab, Punjab-Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2017; 13:41. [PMID: 28701165 PMCID: PMC5508792 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although, use of animal species in disease treatment and culture practices is as ancient as that of plant species; however ethnomedicinal uses and cultural values of animal species have rarely been reported. Present study is the first report on the medicinal uses of mammals and bird species in Pakistan. METHODS Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were applied to collect qualitative and quantitative data from local informants (N = 109). Relative frequency of mention (RFM), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), similarity index (SI) and rank order priority (ROP) indices were used to analyzed the data. RESULTS One hundred and eight species of animals, which include: 83% birds and 17% mammals were documented. In total 30 mammalian and 28 birds' species were used to treat various diseases such as rheumatic disorders, skin infections and sexual weakness among several others. Fats, flesh, blood, milk and eggs were the most commonly utilized body parts. Bos taurus, Bubalus bubalis, Capra aegagrus hircus, Felis domesticus, Lepus nigricollis dayanus and Ovis aries (mammals) and Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, Columba livia, Coturnix coturnix, Gallus gallus and Passer domesticus (birds) were the highly utilized species. Medicinal and cultural uses of 30% mammals and 46% birds were reported for the first time, whereas 33% mammals and 79% birds depicted zero similarity with previous reports. CONCLUSION Present study exhibits significant ethnozoological knowledge of local inhabitants and their strong association with animal species, which could be helpful in sustainable use of biodiversity of the region. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of biological activities in the mammalian and birds' species with maximum fidelity level and frequency of mention could be important to discover animal based novel drugs. Some commonly used mammals and birds species of the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Zoology, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Arshad Javid
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of the Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalid Javed Iqbal
- Department of Life Sciences, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Rasheed
- Department of Mathematics, Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
| | - Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan
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García-López R, Villegas A, Pacheco-Coronel N, Gómez-Álvarez G. Traditional use and perception of snakes by the Nahuas from Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2017; 13:6. [PMID: 28109304 PMCID: PMC5251290 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-016-0134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous cultures are the result of their adaptation to the natural surroundings, in such a way that, amongst their main features is a set of knowledge, technologies and strategies for the appropriation of nature. In Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico snakes represent 71.1% of the total local herpetofauna; and in addition to this, different groups of Nahuas have shown to have information of their use of various snake species in many ways. This study was conducted to investigate the traditional uses of snakes in this cultural group. METHODS Formal and informal interviews were conducted with the inhabitants of the communities. During these interviews, 30 images of the different species of snakes present in the area were presented to the subjects, so that they would recognize them and reveal information about the knowledge they possess on them. A usage analysis was applied to each species considering the following categories: food purposes, medicinal, artisanal and magical-religious. Likewise, the frequency, the diversity and the value of use was estimated for these snakes. RESULTS A total of 51 interviews were carried out. The individuals recognized 18 out of 30 images of snakes that were presented. The total of usage categories was five; we found that the magic-religious use was the most mentioned by 32 personas. Boa imperator and Antropoides nummifer were the species with the highest value of use. More than half of the interviewees mentioned killing snakes because they're poisonous and aggressive. In the magic-religious aspect the "Danza de los Negritos" is highlighted; this is a local festival, brought by Africans, and alludes to snakes. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that snakes are still very important for the culture in Cuetzalan del Progreso, finding that the magical-religious and the medicinal use stand out. On the other hand, the fear and misperception on the toxicity of snakes might represent a potential threat for their conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a long-term monitoring of the ethno-zoological activities, and develop a sustainable management plan compatible with the cultural characteristics of the natives of the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina García-López
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Villegas
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Noé Pacheco-Coronel
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Graciela Gómez-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Hernandez J, Campos CM, Borghi CE. Medicinal use of wild fauna by mestizo communities living near San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve (San Juan, Argentina). JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2015; 11:15. [PMID: 25608977 PMCID: PMC4417256 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-11-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild and domestic animals and their by-products are important ingredients in the preparation of curative, protective and preventive medicines. Despite the medicinal use of animals worldwide, this topic has received less attention than the use of medicinal plants. This study assessed the medicinal use of animals by mestizo communities living near San Guillermo MaB Reserve by addressing the following questions: What animal species and body parts are used? What ailments or diseases are treated with remedies from these species? To what extent do mestizo people use animals as a source of medicine? Is the use related to people's age? METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 171 inhabitants (15-93 years old) of four villages close to the Reserve: Tudcúm, Angualasto, Malimán and Colangüil. We calculated the informant consensus factor and fidelity level to test homogeneity of knowledge and to know the importance of different medicinal uses for a given species. RESULTS The medicinal use of animals was reported by 57% of the surveyed people. Seven species were mentioned: Rhea pennata, Lama guanicoe, Puma concolor, Pseudalopex sp., Lama vicugna, Lepus europaeus and Conepatus chinga. Several body parts were used: fat, leg, bezoar-stone, stomach, feather, meat, blood, feces, wool, and liver. The fat of R. pennata was the most frequently used animal part, followed by the bezoar stone and the leg of L. guanicoe. Animals were used to treat 22 ailments, with respiratory and nervous system disorders being the most frequently treated diseases with a high degree of consensus. Old people used animals as remedies more frequently than young residents, showing some differences among villages. CONCLUSIONS A low number of animal species was mentioned as used for medicinal purposes, which could be explained by the perception of strong control related the legislation that bans hunting and the erosion of traditional knowledge produced by mestizaje. However, the presence of a traditional medicine is deeply rooted in the community culture. Management strategy for protected areas should focus not only on the conservation and sustainability of biological resources, but also on the ancestral knowledge of local communities, such as the medicinal use of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hernandez
- Interacciones Biológicas del Desierto (INTERBIODES-CIGEOBIO [Centro de Investigaciones de la Geósfera y la Biósfera, CONICET-UNSJ). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (Oeste), J5402DCS, Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina.
- Departamento de Biología e Instituto y Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. España 400 (Norte), 5400, San Juan, Argentina.
| | | | - Carlos E Borghi
- Interacciones Biológicas del Desierto (INTERBIODES-CIGEOBIO [Centro de Investigaciones de la Geósfera y la Biósfera, CONICET-UNSJ). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (Oeste), J5402DCS, Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina.
- Departamento de Biología e Instituto y Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. España 400 (Norte), 5400, San Juan, Argentina.
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Boakye MK, Pietersen DW, Kotzé A, Dalton DL, Jansen R. Ethnomedicinal use of African pangolins by traditional medical practitioners in Sierra Leone. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2014; 10:76. [PMID: 25412571 PMCID: PMC4247607 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-10-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pangolins (Manidae) have long been used for traditional medicinal purposes in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, very little is known about the extent of this use, the body parts that are used and the ailments these practices are attempting to cure or alleviate. Pangolin body parts are used extensively and frequently by traditional medical practitioners in Sierra Leone. METHODS A total of 63 traditional medical practitioners consented and were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires on the traditional medicinal use of pangolin body parts. The use value, informant agreement ratio and use agreement value for each pangolin part was calculated to ascertain the most sought after body part, the level of knowledge dissemination among traditional medical practitioners about body parts and the most culturally significant body part. RESULTS It was found that 22 pangolin parts are used to treat various ailments and conditions under 17 international categories of diseases. The highest use value was recorded for scales while eyes had the highest level of consensus among the traditional medical practitioners. The highest use value and informant agreement ratio for scales were recorded for spiritual ailments. Scales were the most culturally significant body part according to the use agreement value. CONCLUSION This study indicates a high importance value for pangolins as part of these communities' spiritual, cultural and medicinal beliefs. However, the numbers of individuals harvested from the wild remains unknown and unregulated even though pangolins have been listed under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972, of Sierra Leone, which prohibits any person from hunting or being in possession of pangolins. It is likely that this unregulated harvesting and poaching of this threatened species, for medicinal purposes, is unsustainable and there is an urgent need to determine pangolin population abundance within this region to ensure their sustainable harvesting for cultural use and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell K Boakye
- />Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Darren W Pietersen
- />African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), P/Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Kotzé
- />African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), P/Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa
- />National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
- />Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
| | - Desiré L Dalton
- />National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, P.O. Box 754, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
- />Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
| | - Raymond Jansen
- />Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, P/Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
- />African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), P/Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa
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de Carvalho RMA, Martins CF, Mourão JDS. Meliponiculture in Quilombola communities of Ipiranga and Gurugi, Paraíba state, Brazil: an ethnoecological approach. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2014; 10:3. [PMID: 24410767 PMCID: PMC4120937 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-10-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Quilombola communities of Ipiranga and Gurugi, located in Atlantic Rainforest in Southern of Paraíba state, have stories that are interwoven throughout time. The practice of meliponicultura has been carried out for generations in these social groups and provides an elaborate ecological knowledge based on native stingless bees, the melliferous flora and the management techniques used. The traditional knowledge that Quilombola have of stingless bees is of utmost importance for the establishment of conservation strategies for many species. METHODS To deepen study concerning the ecological knowledge of the beekeepers, the method of participant observation together with structured and semi-structured interviews was used, as well as the collection of entomological and botanical categories of bees and plants mentioned. With the aim of recording the knowledge related to meliponiculture previously exercised by the residents, the method of the oral story was employed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Results show that the informants sampled possess knowledge of twelve categories of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini), classified according to morphological, behavioral and ecological characteristics. Their management techniques are represented by the making of traditional cortiço and the melliferous flora is composed of many species predominant in the Atlantic Rainforest. From recording the memories and recollections of the individuals, it was observed that an intricate system of beliefs has permeated the keeping of uruçu bees (Melipona scutellaris) for generations. CONCLUSION According to management techniques used by beekeepers, the keeping of stingless bees in the communities is considered a traditional activity that is embedded within a network of ecological knowledge and beliefs accumulated by generations over time, and is undergoing a process of transformation that provides new meanings to such knowledge, as can be observed in the practices of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celso Feitosa Martins
- Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba,
João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brasil
| | - José da Silva Mourão
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das
Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB
58109-753, Brasil
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