UTILIZATION OF BOVIDS IN TRADITIONAL FOLK MEDICINE AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION.

Animals and products derived from different organs of their bodies have constituted part of the inventory of medicinal substances used in various cultures since ancient times. Regrettably, wild populations of numerous species are overexploited around the globe, the demand created by the traditional medicine being one of the causes of the overexploitation. Mammals are among the animal species most frequently used in traditional folk medicine and many species of bovids are used as medicines in the world. The present work provides an overview of the global usage of bovids in traditional folk medicine around the world and their implications for conservation. The results demonstrate that at least 55 bovids are used in traditional folk medicine around the world. Most of species (n=49) recorded were harvested directly from the wild, and only six species of domestic animals. Of the bovids recorded, 50 are included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and 54 are listed in the CITES. By highlighting the role played by animal-based remedies in the traditional medicines, we hope to increase awareness about zootherapeutic practices, particularly in the context of wildlife conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]