Wildlife Consumption Research Articles

Multivariate statistical analysis as a tool for monitoring drinking water sources in an Atlantic Rainforest Conservation Unit.

Water quality monitoring is paramount in identifying and mitigating pollution sources, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring safe water for human and wildlife consumption. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality of drinking water sources in three communities located in a Sustainable Use Conservation Unit in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, employing a multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 161 water samples were collected from January to December 2022, encompassing 32 surface water and 129 tap water samples. Physicochemical parameters were determined in situ employing a Horiba U50 multiparameter probe. The samples were stored and transported at 4°C to the laboratory for microbiological analyses concerning total coliforms and Escherichia coli using a commercial enzymatic test. All samples contained coliforms, while E. coli were detected in 87% of the samples. The multivariate analysis indicated that the microbiological water quality in sampling region R2 was influenced by rainy periods and that, in general, the water quality within R3 was the most affected by the transport of solids to the water sources. The statistical methods applied herein aided in characterizing the study areas and detecting points of attention regarding physicochemical and microbiological parameters that significantly influence the water quality of each sampling point. Representative points for each study region were identified and may be employed for future monitoring and prevention actions.

DNA Barcoding using Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) Reveals Wildlife Consumption of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) and Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) by the Senoi (Semoq Beri) Tribe in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Malaysia, a culturally diverse nation, encompasses various ethnicities, including the Orang Asli, the region’s aboriginal people. Among the Orang Asli tribes in Peninsular Malaysia, the Senoi constitute the largest demographic, followed by the Proto-Malay and Negrito groups, each comprising six distinct subtribes. Traditional methods, such as surveys and interviews, have been instrumental in understanding wildlife consumption practices among indigenous communities like the Senoi. However, they may not always provide accurate and comprehensive data. The adoption of molecular techniques, such as DNA barcoding, presents a promising avenue for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of wildlife consumption studies. This study investigates wildlife consumption practices among the Senoi tribe, particularly the Semoq Beri subgroup in Maran, Pahang, using DNA barcoding that focuses on the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene. Following the collection of biological samples with consent from Semoq Beri villagers, DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed using established protocols. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis was conducted to identify wildlife species consumed by the tribe. From the DNA barcoding analysis, two wildlife species were successfully detected: including the Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) and the dusky leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus), commonly consumed by the Semoq Beri tribe. Despite their status conservation, the findings suggest that the Semoq Beri tribe’s hunting practices are relatively sustainable, as they hunt only for subsistence purposes and in small quantities. The study emphasizes the significance of incorporating molecular techniques alongside conventional methods to accurately assess wildlife consumption patterns among indigenous communities. The findings highlight the necessity of collaborative approaches involving indigenous peoples, government agencies, and conservation organizations to preserve traditional knowledge, safeguard wildlife resources, and promote the sustainable coexistence of indigenous communities and biodiversity.

Quantifying species biases among multidata sources on illegal wildlife trade and its implications for conservation.

Unsustainable wildlife consumption and illegal wildlife trade (IWT) threaten biodiversity worldwide. Although publicly accessible data sets are increasingly used to generate insights into IWT, little is known about their potential bias. We compared three typical and temporally corresponding data sets (4204 court verdicts, 926 seizure news reports, and 219 bird market surveys) on traded birds native to China and evaluated their possible species biases. Specifically, we evaluated bias and completeness of sampling for species richness, phylogeny, conservation status, spatial distribution, and life-history characteristics among the three data sets when determining patterns of illegal trade. Court verdicts contained the largest species richness. In bird market surveys and seizure news reports, phylogenetic clustering was greater than that in court verdicts, where songbird species (i.e., Passeriformes) were detected in higher proportions in market surveys. The seizure news data set contained the highest proportion of species of high conservation priority but the lowest species coverage. Across the country, all data sets consistently reported relatively high species richness in south and southwest regions, but markets revealed a northern geographic bias. The species composition in court verdicts and markets also exhibited distinct geographical patterns. There was significant ecological trait bias when we modeled whether a bird species is traded in the market. Our regression model suggested that species with small body masses, large geographical ranges, and a preference for anthropogenic habitats and those that are not nationally protected were more likely to be traded illegally. The species biases we found emphasize the need to know the constraints of each data set so that they can optimally inform strategies to combat IWT.

Beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices toward wildlife among different ethnicities in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand

This concurrent qualitative study was carried out with the main objective to determine wildlife beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices among ten ethnic groups in four communities in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces of Thailand from November 2020 to January 2021. We also gathered comprehensive information on study respondents’ knowledge related to potential risk behaviors that could lead to zoonotic disease transmission and infection. Furthermore, we intended to use the study’s findings to develop communication strategies and health literacy improvement interventions for mitigating risky behaviors, with a focus on ethnic groups and particular individuals who live in close proximity to forests and wildlife, to prevent future pandemics. Sixty-five respondents were purposively selected based on their extensive knowledge, active participation in local cultural contexts, beliefs, and exposure to wildlife contact or consuming game animals. Twenty (30.8%) participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 45 (69.2%) participated in eight focused group discussions (FGDs). The results revealed that the characteristics of wildlife contact are similar and distinct based on their beliefs and taboos among various ethnic groups and study locations, which are influenced by cultural backgrounds and traditions. Although some ethnic groups do not have explicit restrictions on the consumption of wildlife, others adhere to specific beliefs and taboos that forbid the consumption or killing of specific wild animals. These beliefs frequently correspond with conservation initiatives, thereby facilitating the preservation of threatened species. The study also revealed a lack of appropriate health knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding wildlife contact and consumption. As a result, it is recommended that public health officials and local governments develop and execute communication and education initiatives. These campaigns should aim to increase health literacy and promote safe handling, preparation, and cooking practices to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and infection effectively. Moreover, it is necessary to design and implement wildlife conservation education and outreach activities. The programs should promote environmental stewardship while considering the cultural contexts, beliefs, and practices of various ethnic groups. The activities should involve diverse stakeholders, including local leaders, religious influencers, community members, schoolteachers, students, health professionals, village health volunteers, and civil society organizations.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade and wildlife consumption in Latin America

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade and wildlife consumption in Latin America

Testing an intervention codesigned with stakeholders for altering wildlife consumption: Health messaging matters

AbstractConsumer behavior change is a key priority to address the illegal wildlife trade, but evaluation of these interventions is lacking. We used surveys and randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of three types of messages, which were codesigned with key stakeholders, with 2496 potential consumers and nontarget consumers in China. We found a 23% decrease in intention among potential consumers to use wild animal medicinal products by health‐related messages, and a 14% decrease by legality‐related messages, compared with the control group, though the effect size was small. Furthermore, we revealed that the effect of health‐related messages occurred indirectly by increasing health risk perceptions associated with improper utilization of wild animals. Yet, we did not find a clear effect pathway of the legality‐related messages. Regarding the nontarget consumers, information of whistleblowing platforms and incentives improved willingness to report illegal wildlife use directly, as well as indirectly through adding messages to increase perceived legality risk of using wild products and improve self‐efficacy in identifying legal products. Our findings can inform future larger scale efforts to influence wildlife consumption.

Wildlife as Food and Medicine in Brazil: A Neglected Zoonotic Risk?

The practice of consuming wild fauna in Brazil is both culturally and socioeconomically questionable. Wild animals and their byproducts are sought for nutritional, medicinal, and/or supernatural reasons, with some taxa (e.g., songbirds) being kept as pets. This practice is concentrated in traditional and rural communities, as well as the rural exodus populations in large urban centers, maintained both by cultural preferences and for their role in food safety in part of the rural exodus community. A total of 564 taxa are known to be sold in wet markets in Brazil, with birds, fish, and mammals being the most commonly listed. There is great zoonotic outbreak potential in this consumption chain given the diversity of species involved (with several listed being known reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens), invasion of wild environments for hunting, unsanitary processing of carcasses, and consumption of most/all biotopes of the animal, as well as the creation of favorable conditions to cross-species pathogen transmission. Given its socioeconomic situation and the global trends in disease emergence, there is a risk of the future emergence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in Brazil through wildlife consumption.

COVID-19 and the racialisation of Chinese wildlife consumption

Pandemics and food consumption have long been racialised against non-Western peoples. Yellow Peril tropes of Chinese as disease vectors and consumers of ‘weird’ wildlife, such as bats, were conjoined again with COVID-19. US politicians and media have especially deployed these themes to blame Chinese for the pandemic, alongside tropes of Chinese as cruel, deceitful incompetents, thus serving a wider mobilisation against China that fuels a new Cold War and anti-Asian attacks. Wildlife consumption as a spur to COVID’s Wuhan outbreak is, however, an unverified supposition. Many societies consume wildlife, but it was uncommon in China and mostly shunned by the time of COVID-19’s onset. Meanwhile, significant US wildlife consumption continues. Yellow Peril racialisation of the pandemic and demonisation of China also continue, both despite and because of Western politicians’ COVID-19 failings.

Wildlife Consumption Dynamics: Unveiling Conduru Park in Southern Bahia, Brazil

The current investigation aimed to identify the wild animals utilized as a food source in five locations within the Serra do Conduru State Park region, Bahia, Brazil. The field survey was conducted from June 2016 to July 2017, involving semi-structured interviews and informal conversations with 45 hunters. The composition of species used for sustenance in the five locations was characterized through permutation multivariate analyses of variance. Generalized linear models were constructed to evaluate whether socio-demographic variables among hunters influenced the number of captured species. A total of 67 species (34 families and 22 orders) of hunting significance were documented in the region, with 41 being hunted for consumption. The most represented taxa were mammals (32), birds (21), reptiles (13), and amphibians (1). Dicotyles tajacu, Dasypus novemcinctus, and Cuniculus paca emerged as the most targeted species for food. Hunters who still reside within the conservation unit capture a greater number of wild animals. Older hunters and those with smaller family sizes hunt a broader range of species. The rifle and domestic dogs are the predominant techniques employed in the region. The findings underscore the persistence of illegal hunting practices in the Serra do Conduru State Park region. This emphasizes the necessity for measures directed at the conservation of hunted species, particularly those identified as being under some degree of threat in nature.

Transdisciplinarity, tempocoupling, and the role of culture in zoonosis research

Abstract Non-technical summary The general public became familiar with the term and definition of zoonosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, several responses to mitigate zoonotic risk has been put forward. Often cited are stricter biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection but there are also suggestions to educate people who traditionally consume wildlife for food. This implicit condemnation of culture also manifested explicitly in the form of racism especially against Asians during the height of the pandemic. If the world is to avoid a pandemic, it also needs to work against Orientalism and ensure research is inclusive, equitable, and just. Technical summary The COVID-19 pandemic widely introduced the term and definition of zoonosis to the general public. More than just a knee-jerk reaction, stricter biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection are now seen as essential strategies in mitigating zoonotic risks while some researchers have called for education campaigns that should discredit ingrained cultural practices such as wildlife consumption. This implicit condemnation of culture may have been initially confined to research papers but it eventually manifested as explicit racism in everyday life during the height of the pandemic, highlighting the need to decolonize Western scientific views on pandemic prevention and to refrain from Orientalism. This Intelligence Briefing makes the case for the inclusion of history and culture as necessary elements in zoonosis research alongside a critical reflection of transdisciplinary approaches. Emphasizing epistemic humility and authentic interest to learn from other actors such as Indigenous communities on the frontlines of human-wildlife interfaces, this Intelligence Briefing recommends the Future Earth Health Knowledge-Action Network to stay the course toward promoting approaches that are ‘transdisciplinary, multi-scalar, inclusive, equitable, and broadly communicated’ in zoonosis research. Social media summary History and culture are necessary elements of zoonosis research alongside transdisciplinary approaches.

Exploring explicit and implicit attitudes towards wildlife food

Illegitimate wildlife consumption poses threats to public health, biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Understanding of public attitudes towards wildlife as food can help promote wildlife conservation. However, almost wildlife consumption researches limit insights to subjective attitudes. To address this gap, the present employs a comprehensive approach, combining questionnaires, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) paradigm, and Event-Related Potential (ERP) method. This multi-method strategy enables better exploration of both explicit and implicit attitudes toward wildlife food. Participants who had been exposed to wildlife food consumption were randomly recruited. Compared to non-wildlife foods, people had a lower acceptability of wildlife foods, a longer reaction time when paired with positive words and a smaller N400 component when paired with negative words. These results revealed that public showed negative attitudes towards wildlife food compared to non-wildlife food, and this result was consistent between explicit and implicit attitudes. This outcome also provides a positive signal for wildlife conservation. Leveraging the public's negative perceptions of wildlife food in conjunction with the adverse consequences of eating wildlife food can be employed to further the cause of wildlife conservation.

Using SMS surveys to understand songbird ownership and shark product consumption in Indonesia

AbstractThe unsustainable use of wildlife increases the risk of species extinction. In biodiversity-rich Indonesia, information on the scale of wildlife use is limited and requires further study. To address this, we explored the potential of text messaging (short message service; SMS) surveys to investigate levels and spatial patterns of domestic wildlife use, using songbird keeping and shark consumption as case studies because of their widespread occurrence in all 34 Indonesian provinces. We sent 340,000 messages for each survey during October–November 2018 and incentivized responses with a mobile data package as reward. We obtained survey response rates of 1.4% (songbird ownership) and 1.5% (shark consumption). Our results revealed an estimated 175.7 million songbirds being kept by 35% (80.4–86.6 million) of the Indonesian population and 33.5 million people (14% of the Indonesian population) to have consumed shark products in their lifetime. We identified hotspots of songbird ownership in several provinces in Java, corroborating previous findings, and new ones in the North Sumatra province, for example. The provinces of Maluku, Aceh and East Nusa Tenggara had the highest numbers of reported shark consumers per 1,000 people. Responses indicated a wide variety of shark products being consumed, highlighting the need for in-depth research to understand the explanatory factors behind these practices. These findings demonstrate the potential of SMS surveys to be a cost-effective approach for conducting large-scale studies on wildlife consumption patterns over a short period of time.

A systematic mapping review of links between handling wild meat and zoonotic diseases

1.Hunting, trade, and consumption of wildlife present a serious threat to global public health as it places humans in close contact with zoonotic pathogens.2.We systematically mapped the literature on wild meat handling and zoonotic disease transmission (1996–2022) using the online database Web of Science and Google search engine and identified 6229 articles out of which 253 were finally selected for use in our mapping review; 51 of these provided specific information regarding transmission risks.3.The reviewed studies reported 43 zoonotic pathogens (17 bacteria, 15 viruses, and 11 parasites) that could pose a potential risk to human health.4.Sixteen hygienic and sanitary behaviours were described in the reviewed studies. Disease surveillance was the most frequent. Most of the surveillance studies were carried out in Europe and were less common in the tropics.5.To inform policy and practical actions effectively, it is imperative to broaden our understanding of how various mitigation behaviours can be employed to minimize the risk of transmission.

Wildlife Consumption, Health, and Zoonotic Disease in China After the Emergence of COVID-19.

There has been much discussion in the conservation and policy realms of COVID-19 as a zoonotic disease, or a disease transmitted from wildlife to humans. However, wildlife consumption in China is not only a potential source of disease but also a practice embedded in complex beliefs about health. This paper used survey data (N = 974) collected in China in June 2021 to examine attitudes and behaviors related to (a) wildlife consumption, (b) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and (c) zoonotic risk after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 40.1% of respondents self-reported that they are less likely to consume wild animals since the outbreak of COVID-19. Respondents who used wildlife supplements for TCM, who believed in the benefits of wild animal consumption and fresh slaughter of wildlife, and who had higher levels of agreement with the zoonotic origin of COVID-19 were more likely to report that they had decreased their wildlife consumption after the outbreak of COVID-19. Use of wildlife in TCM significantly increased the odds that a respondent believed that COVID-19 was very likely zoonotic. We discuss how situating wildlife consumption within complex beliefs about health and disease can assist with protecting wildlife and public health in the wake of COVID-19.

Support for wildlife consumption bans and policies in China post-Covid-19

AbstractThe Covid-19 pandemic, which probably arose from zoonotic sources, has provoked wide-ranging discussion on which wildlife policies can best prevent future pandemics. More work needs to be done to investigate support for regulatory frameworks in China post-Covid-19 and specifically to model how perceptions of the relationship between wildlife consumption and risk of zoonotic diseases combine with other variables to influence support for wildlife policies. We report on a 2021 quantitative survey conducted in China. The objectives were to measure attitudes towards the current wildlife consumption ban and wildlife regulations in China and to model which variables correlate with support for bans on wild-caught and farmed wildlife. The sample was almost evenly split between considering the ban on wild animal consumption in China to be adequate (45%) or not strict enough (42%). Protection against future pandemics and protection of the environment were motivators for supporting the ban for c. 80% of respondents. The results also indicated strong support for wildlife bans. A majority of respondents supported bans of both wild-caught and farmed wildlife, although support for bans of wild-caught animals was greater for most taxa. Furthermore, the perceived zoonotic risk of a taxon was a more prevalent correlate of support for a ban for wild-caught wildlife than for farmed wildlife. Our results indicate substantial support for the current wildlife consumption ban in China, and opportunities to further mitigate the environmental and zoonotic risks of wildlife consumption.

Contaminant risks in consuming fish from the Area of Concern in the Upper Niagara River

The lack of contemporary data on contaminants in resident fish prevents an analysis of temporal trends in contaminant concentrations and the present-day status of the “Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption” Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) in the Niagara River Area of Concern (AOC). During 2018, concentrations of 260 contaminants in four groups of fish species from five areas in or near the upper Niagara River AOC were analyzed to determine the potential risks from fish consumption, responses to remediation in an adjacent AOC, and whether additional remedial actions were warranted in this AOC. The concentrations of most contaminants were generally undetectable or did not exceed established Federal, State, or European Union fish-consumption limits. Several contaminants without State or Federal limits exceeded European Union fish-consumption guidelines in some species and areas. High PCB residues in many bullhead from Scajaquada Creek, some bass from Hoyt Lake, and most common carp from all areas surpassed certain New York and Federal fish-consumption limits and indicate PCBs continue to restrict fish consumption at most study areas. High concentrations of several contaminants in resident fish, especially dioxins and furans in carp, from Cayuga Creek indicate that additional scrutiny of consumption advisories is warranted in this area. Because this study provides a snapshot in time of fish-contaminant data from five areas, additional data from other areas and times, and more detailed information on present-day pollutant sources may be needed before determining the status of the fish-consumption BUI in this AOC.

Applying a co‐design approach with key stakeholders to design interventions to reduce illegal wildlife consumption

Abstract Co‐design, an approach that seeks to incorporate the experiences and perspectives of different stakeholders, is increasingly being used to develop audience‐oriented behaviour change interventions. The complexity of wildlife consumption behaviour makes the co‐design approach an important potential tool for the design of conservation interventions that aim to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Yet, little is known about how to adapt and apply the co‐design approach to the wildlife trade sector. Here, we applied a co‐design approach to develop interventions aimed at reducing illegal animal‐based medicine consumption in China. We conducted three workshops with key stakeholders: consumers of animal‐based medicines, pharmacy workers who sell them and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors who prescribe them. We then developed a theory of change to ensure the relevance of the co‐designed intervention prototypes. Our co‐design process identified five main pathways of interventions, including two inclusive solutions that may have been previously overlooked in behaviour change work in this context. These were an intervention to promote the appropriate use of TCM and one to increase consumers' capacity to identify the legality of products. Our prototype interventions also enhanced existing views related to the role of medical practitioners in health‐risk communication. We used our co‐design process and reflections on its application to this specific market to provide guidelines for future conservation program planning in the broader wildlife trade context. Some intervention prototypes produced during co‐design may need wider stakeholder involvement to increase their feasibility for implementation. We show that the co‐design process can integrate multiple stakeholders' perspectives in the ideation stage, and has the potential to produce inclusive intervention designs that could drive innovation in conservation efforts to reduce illegal consumption of a range of wild species. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Perceptions of COVID-19 origins and China’s wildlife policy reforms

Given the link between perceptions of zoonotic risk and support for regulations such as wildlife consumption bans, debates regarding the origins of COVID-19 are likely to have conservation implications. Specifically, alternative hypotheses that cast doubt on COVID-19's zoonotic origins could potentially lessen momentum for China's wildlife policy reforms and their associated conservation impacts. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 origin debates on China's wildlife policies, we conducted a 974-respondent survey across mainland China, supplemented by policy and media reviews. We examined perceptions of three facets of COVID-19 origins: geographic location, source (e.g., wildlife farm, wet market, etc.), and specific wildlife species as transmitters. Our findings reveal that 64.6 % of respondents believed COVID-19 originated in the United States or Europe, not in China. Further, compared to the baseline group of respondents who selected China as the origin country, respondents who selected the United States or Europe as the origin had a greater likelihood of selecting laboratories/research and imported frozen foods as likely sources, while these respondents had a lower likelihood of selecting wild animals in a wet market or natural causes as likely sources. Despite such varied beliefs regarding COVID-19 origins, support for wildlife policy reforms was strong: 89.5 % of respondents who previously consumed wildlife self-indicated reduced consumption after the pandemic and 70.5 % of respondents supported banning the trade of all wildlife species. Moreover, those respondents who selected wild animals in a wet market as a likely source of COVID-19 had a greater likelihood of supporting a trade ban on all wild-caught wildlife and all farmed wildlife. Our results indicate that, although investigation of COVID-19's origins is on-going and politicized, there is clear support for wildlife reforms in China that can promote conservation outcomes.

Preface

The Second International Conference of Advance Veterinary Science and Technologies for Sustainable Development (2nd ICAVESS) 17 -18 September 2022 [Virtual Conference] https://icavess.ugm.ac.idThe Second International Conference of Advance Veterinary Science and Technologies for Sustainable Development is an academic platform organised by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia in collaboration with Asian Association of Veterinary Schools and World Organisation of Animal Health Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (WOAH-RRAP). Following the success of the first ICAVESS, The 2nd ICAVESS held virtually on September 17-18, 2022 with theme “Multidiscipline Collaboration for The Innovative and Productive Development in Veterinary Science”.With the development of the era, the challenges faced by researchers, academics, practitioners, community institutions, industry, and stakeholders are also becoming more complex. This is what then drives the urgency to implement integrated collaboration from various backgrounds in expertise. The United Nations in the agenda for sustainable development has set 17 goals, including good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, and partnerships for the goals. These goal points are further elaborated as the aspiration to achieve a healthy and prosperous life, conservation and sustainability as well as resource utilization in the waters and on land, biodiversity sustainability, and the need to fight the climate change and its impacts,Cases such as COVID-19, genetic mutation, dynamics of disease transmission, and zoonotic cases require various parties with different disciplines to handle them. As another example, the occurrence of emerging and re-emerging diseases is triggered by various factors. These factors include human population expansion, urbanization, globalization, climate change, poverty, social inequality, migration, trade and consumption of wildlife, livestock production industry, irrational use of antimicrobials, development of antimicrobial resistance in humans and live stocks, and the implementation of public health measures such as vaccination and sanitation. The scope of aspects of predisposing factors for emerging and re-emerging diseases illustrates the breadth and dynamics of the problems that must be resolved, and these may not be achievable by only involving a single contribution from certain parties. The dynamics and variety of challenges faced require productive development. Solving these matters requires a multidisciplinary teamwork. In addition, the 2nd ICAVESS is expected to include a multidisciplinary approach to improve quality, productivity, and opportunities for publications. Thus, the collaboration results not only end in this conference but can also benefit various parties.The committee successfully hosted the event as the plenary sessions, AAVS veterinary education session, AAVS-UGM-WOAH joint session and parallel presentation sessions in a virtual way due to COVID 19 pandemic. This conference presented insightful talks from 6 invited speakers from Finland, Indonesia, America, Thailand, Germany, Japan, inspiring innovation sharing from 3 presenters in AAVS Vet Education Session, and great session from speakers of AAVS-WOAH-UGM Sessions.List of Keynote Speakers, Invited Speakers, AAVS Vet Education Session, AAVS Vet Edu Day 2 (AAVS-WOAH-UGM Session), Committee are available in this Pdf.

The Role of Training in Harmonizing Views Regarding Traditional Consumptive Uses of Wildlife among Students at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

A two step study was conducted in October 2021 to determine views of pre-service and in-service students regarding consumptive wildlife utilization in Kenya. Pre-service respondents were fresh school leavers while in-service respondents were rangers employed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. A self-administered, closed ended, drop-and-collect questionnaire was used to obtain data on students’ views regarding traditional consumptive uses of wildlife just before and after their 18 month diploma in wildlife management program at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute. Respondents were required to indicate whether they supported or opposed t use of wildlife as (i) source of meat for human consumption, (ii) source of ceremonial wear, (iii) source of traditional medicine, (iv) source of ornaments, and (v) a sacrifice in religious ceremonies. A “not sure” option was provided for respondents who were undecided about an item. Questionnaire return rate was 100% for both studies with a respondent number of 30 for the first and 28 for the second study respectively. Before their training, pre-service students strongly supported consumptive wildlife use while in-service students strongly supported non-consumptive use. After their training however, both pre-service and in-service students were strongly supportive of non-consumptive wildlife use. The shift in views of pre-service students was associated with the knowledge, attitudes and values imparted in them during their training. More related studies are recommended. Keywords: attitude, consumptive use, Kenya, non-consumptive use, training, wildlife. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-6-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2023