Animal Species Used for Traditional Medicine in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of eight markets was undertaken in Benin City from December 2016 to March 2017 to ascertain wildlife species used in tradomedical practices. Questionnaires were administered to 28 (twenty-eight) traders in the various markets and 2 (two) native doctors to determine the animal species commonly used for treating various ailments as well as success charms in one's endeavours. A total of 9418 (nine thousand four hundred and eighteen) animal specimens belonging to fourteen (14) species consisting of five (5) mammals, three (3) aves, four (4) reptiles, one (1) amphibia and one (1) mollusc were encountered in the markets during the study period. These included alligators, bats, chameleons, chicks, dogs, ducks, pangolins, pigeons, pig skulls, rabbits, snails, toads, tortoises and turtles. Results showed the pigeon dominated in its use in trado-medical practices (14.18%), followed by the chameleon (12.75%), ducks (12.52%), chicks (11.29%), toads, (9.24%), tortoise (7.22%), turtles (6.62%), bats (6.37%), snails (5.84%), rabbit skulls (4.54%), alligator (3.93%), rabbits (2.72%), pangolins (1.36%), pig skulls (1.32%) and dogs (0.12%). Ekiuwa market recorded the greatest number of animal species (19.02%) displayed for sale followed by Ugbighokho market (12.85%), 3rd market (12.74%), Uselu market (11.63%), Evbuotubu (11.20%), Oba market (11.08%), New Benin market (11.00%) and Oliha market (10.49%). Apart from bats, dogs, pangolins and snails which were restricted in distribution, all other species were distributed in all the markets. Chameleons, snails and tortoise were common species used in western Nigeria while other species were restricted to Benin City. Control measures should be put in place especially in the use of juveniles as continued exploitation would pose a serious threat to conservation.
Keywords: Traditional medicine, Animal species, Markets, Benin City