IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Drouilly, M.; Horion, R.; Pryce-Fitchen, K.; Pickles, R.; Whittington-Jones, G.; Asamoah Boateng, B.; Mahama, A.; Mann, G.; Henschel, P. | |
| Wild cat species in flux: from tradition to trade in Ghanaian markets | |
| 2023 Cat News (78): 26-31 | |
The use of wildlife derivative products has been identified as an important aspect of the culture of African peoples. Integrated in traditional medicine, fetish, spiritual and religious beliefs, as well as in various culturo-religious ceremonies, it results in a thriving domestic and transnational consumer demand for different wild animals and their body parts, including those of wild cats. We explored the trade in wild cat products in 20 markets in ten towns and cities within the Republic of Ghana and found that 75% of the markets visited sold felid body parts. Full leopard skins and leopard and lion skin pieces were the most common wild cat products sold, although both species are fully protected locally under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Conservation Regulations of 1971 (LI 685). Skins, skulls, bones, teeth, tails, body fat, paws and claws were mostly used for cultural, religious and spiritual purposes, with traditional healers, (religious) chiefs, ordinary people and those working in dangerous jobs reported as consumers. Our results highlight the extensiveness and scale of the trade in wild cat products, which has so far not been recognised in Ghana, and remains poorly documented in many parts of West Africa. Our work can form the basis for future research. We emphasise the necessity to better regulate the sale of wild cat products and understand the typology of people engaging in the trade and those who do not. Assessing opportunities and feasibility for complementary and coordinated demand reduction initiatives such as behaviour change campaigns would also be crucial if we are to better protect wild cats in the region. |
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