Conservation implications of the use of vertebrates by Xhosa traditional healers in South Africa

The demand for vertebrates by traditional healers in South Africa suggests that the use of these animals in traditional medicinal or cultural practices has major conservation implications. This is supported by the fact that 31% of vertebrates used in these practices are listed in South African Red Data Books, indicating that their conservation status is already a matter of concern. Of those vertebrates used, mammals (65%) constitute the largest proportion, followed by birds (22%), reptiles (11%) and amphibians (1.3%). Some of these vertebrates (more especially those with critical conservation status) are significantly less available in the market. We suggest that, whereas this form of resource use has been largely ignored in the past, it may represent a threat to the conservation of biodiversity if poorly managed. It may also provide an opportunity to aid the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous vertebrates if properly managed.