Attitudes

It is important to focus on the consumers of the illegal wildlife trade because without the demand created by them, no market would exist for pangolins.

Attitudes drive behavior, and may serve to explain why people consume pangolin meat and products.

For example in China, a survey found that locals classify wildlife simply into ‘edible’ and ‘non edible’ groups, alluding that they automatically view animals as food to be eaten. The practice of consuming wildlife is widespread, and the majority of Chinese have either a neutral or positive attitude towards it.  The act of eating wild animals is an emotional experience for the Chinese for they perceive that anything from nature is ‘unpolluted,’ ‘precious’ and ‘special.’ Culturally, serving wildlife dishes is a representation of high social status and respect for one’s guests; because of the nourishing and curative effects these species are believed to contain.

The Chinese also place much emphasis on word of mouth- particularly from the older generations, friends and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners- as an important and credible source of information regarding the tonic effects of wildlife. This explains why false beliefs regarding the medicinal benefits of consuming pangolin body parts continue to be prevalent even until today. Such factors serve to drive the continued demand for pangolins even as the supply decreases and the price increases.

On the other hand, in places like Brunei, locals consider wild animals sacred and view hunting or killing them as taboo. They also have a negative attitude towards the consumption of wildlife meat, particularly exotic species, and believe it to be unhealthy. Hence the pangolin trade in Brunei is virtually non-existent and locals leave the pangolins alone.

Lack of awareness on the consumers’ end may also contribute to the current illegal wildlife trade. Few people are even aware that a ban on pangolin trade exists much less understand the implications their own consumption has on wildlife trafficking. Most members of the public are also ignorant of the cruelty involved in capturing and trading these pangolins. Without information and understanding, it is impossible to expect people to change their attitudes and consumption habits overnight.