Sustainability of medicinal animal products: Tokay geckos and pangolin scales as traditional Chinese medicine

Abstract

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes animal products derived from hundreds of species. For some species, such as the pangolins (family Manidae), demand from the medicinal trade has been recognized as a major threat and is under strict regulations to conserve declining endangered populations. In parallel, species such as the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko and Gekko reevesii) have only recently attracted conservation attention due to the high volumes in trade despite an apparently still abundant wild population. In this study, we collected market data to assess the trade in pangolin (illegal trade) and tokay gecko (legal trade) medicinal products. We also collect general public's attitude toward the trade and their understanding on the medicinal use of high-profile endangered species (pangolins) and less well-known species (tokay gecko) in Hong Kong. We interviewed a total of 169 shops/clinics and 153 members of the public. We found that tokay gecko was sold in 59% of the surveyed outlets. We estimate that trade volume may reach as many as 0.2 million individuals per year in Hong Kong. The substantial demand for tokay gecko products estimated in this study underscores the urgent need for a thorough assessment of trade sustainability and continuous monitoring of the wild population status of gecko species. In contrast, pangolin scale products were rarely reported, and there was a high level of awareness among sellers regarding the illegality of such products. Our public survey revealed that awareness of the legal status of these products was the most influential factor shaping public choice to support the trade and consequently consume the products. Therefore, setting up legal protection status and enhancing public awareness about the legality of wildlife trade are essential steps toward responsible consumption and conservation. Furthermore, support for the use of alternatives among TCM practitioners presents a promising avenue. This highlights the opportunity to transiting trade toward sustainably sourced alternatives while respecting the traditions associated with TCM.