Myths Busted - Illegally Trafficked Wildlife (Part II)

 All over the world, various wild animals are currently being trafficked, either alive or killed and converted into various animal products, to satisfy a black market that thrives on superstition. These beliefs may range from wild and unscientific claims of medical benefits such as those common to Chinese medicine and other ancient forms of medicine to superstitious beliefs of these animals bringing good fortune if sacrificed in specific black magic rituals. 

The Illegal Wildlife Trade is marked at a net worth of 19 Billion dollars and is known as the second biggest threat to the extinction of various species of Wildlife, only after habitat destruction. While it is already problematic that human society has largely built itself upon the assumption that natural resources, both inanimate and alive, exist for the sake of human consumption, it is even worse when this consumption is driven by the propagation of baseless myths and rumors. 

Therefore, it is important to bust these myths and approach such claims with a scientific temper, in order to protect the rich biodiversity our planet holds which is responsible for several intricate functions beyond our fathom. Additionally, besides threatening the survival of several wildlife species, the trafficking of animals is also responsible for the spreading of several pathogenic diseases globally. 

In our previous segment, we discussed Pangolins and Slender Loris. The former suffers the reputation of having scales with medical value, while in fact, the compound present in its scale is no different than that in our fingernails. The latter struggles to shake the image of lending its powers to Black Magic rituals, due to its large eyes that lend it a rather mystical appearance. 

Today, we shall discuss three additional species with various myths and folklore around them that drive people to traffic these species around the world.

The Red Sand Boa has attracted several superstitious beliefs over time and across cultures due to its unique appearance which renders its tail to appear like a second head. Due to this double-headed appearance, it is widely believed, especially in Malaysia, to bring good luck and lead people to treasure. Chinese superstition also claims that it can cure AIDS, asthma, rheumatism, erectile dysfunction and joint pain. It is also said to be involved in several black magic rituals that include sacrifice, many of which propagate that it is capable of bringing a shower of rain. 

Owls have since long been associated with superstition and black magic which involve sacrificing the bird. They are said to be birds of ill-omen. One such species, the Indian-Eagle Owl, has a distinctive facial appearance, including large forward-facing eyes. This has led to several superstitions and beliefs that fuel the black market trade. One such belief is that if the Owl is beaten, tortured, and starved for days it will gain the ability of Human Speech and bring good fortune upon its tormentor. This practice, among others, is still carried out by several Indian tribes.

The Indian Star Tortoise is one of the most widely traded wildlife species in India. It is mostly traded for the purpose of keeping as pets due to a widely held belief that it brings good luck. There is also a widespread belief in accordance with Hindu mythology that the tortoise is an avatar of the Lord Vishnu, and thus is revered by several households. However, these animals do not thrive well in domestic habitats and great care must be taken in order to enable them to survive outside their natural habitat. Due to this, many of them end up perishing during their lives as pets which have put the survival of the species in danger.

While these superstitions are deeply rooted in cultural tradition, the practices associated with it are putting the survival of several species in danger. As the world becomes more connected, these stagnated beliefs are benefited by a widely connected network of underground markets that supplies the Illegal Wildlife Trade, these animals are pushed further to the brink of extinction.

While the trade of several species is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, the act is not extensively upheld and only facilitated by rampant corruption. It is only by spreading awareness, exposing these illogical beliefs, and showing our support for the welfare of these animals and our environment at large can we bring in an era of rationality that acknowledges the value of the diversity of life not only for its own sake but for the sake of humanity as well.