Reptiles sold as traditional medicine in Xipamanine and Xiquelene Markets (Maputo, Mozambique)

Vivienne L Williams,Thibedi J Moshoeu,Graham J Alexander

doi:10.17159/sajs.2016/20150416

Abstract

Zootherapy plays a role in healing practices in Mozambican society. Although several studies have focused on ethnobotany and traditional medicine in the country, little research has been conducted on the use of reptiles in zootherapy. The aim of this study was therefore to fill this gap by assessing the reptile species traded for traditional medicine in the Xipamanine and Xiquelene Markets in Maputo, Mozambique. We found that few reptile species are traded domestically for traditional medicine and that their use appears to be in decline in Mozambique. Our findings also suggest that the domestic trade of reptiles for traditional medicines in Maputo markets is unlikely to have a significant impact on the conservation of reptiles in Mozambique. However, we suggest that international trade with South Africa is likely having a larger impact, given observations of Mozambican nationals selling a diverse range of fauna in urban traditional medicine markets in Johannesburg and Durban.

Highlights

The use of animal products for healing purposes is an ancient practice complementary to the body of knowledge on plant-based medicines1, and trade in wildlife products for these purposes, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, is increasing2
Despite the rise of zootherapeutic studies to address a paucity of information on the subject of traditional animal therapies, studies have rarely addressed the use of reptiles by African communities
In January 2016, 36 traders in Xiquelene and >36 traders in Xipamanine were recorded with animal parts; of these, a total of 14 vendors (64.3% men) had reptiles visible at their stalls and all of them were interviewed (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The use of animal products for healing purposes is an ancient practice complementary to the body of knowledge on plant-based medicines, and trade in wildlife products for these purposes, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, is increasing. Despite the rise of zootherapeutic studies to address a paucity of information on the subject of traditional animal therapies, studies have rarely addressed the use of reptiles by African communities.. Despite the rise of zootherapeutic studies to address a paucity of information on the subject of traditional animal therapies, studies have rarely addressed the use of reptiles by African communities.2,3 These interrelationships between humans and herpetofauna are referred to as ‘ethnoherpetology’.4. Focused ethnoherpetological research and quantitative studies have, been largely overshadowed by the generalised ethnozoological studies that document and inventory multiple vertebrate classes.. Focused ethnoherpetological research and quantitative studies have, been largely overshadowed by the generalised ethnozoological studies that document and inventory multiple vertebrate classes.2 This broad approach may signify a bias towards investigating aesthetically pleasing or charismatic species such as birds and mammals, or fauna that are of conservation concern. The scarcity of ethnoherpetological records contributes to the traditional importance of herpetofauna (and the degree to which they are exploited) being overlooked and underestimated.

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Conclusion