Ethno-medicinal uses of wild animal products in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Since the beginning of time, traditional medicines, including both plant and animal products,
have been utilized to treat a variety of illnesses, especially in rural areas around the world. The purpose of this study, which was carried out in the Mokwa Local Government Area, was to acquire information on the types of wild animals hunted and used in traditional medicine, determine the types of illnesses cured and the perception of the people towards traditional medicine in the area. Structured questionnaires and oral interviews were used to gather data on the local use of traditional medicine from a representative sample of the communities. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, charts and percentages. The results obtained revealed that the majority of respondents in the research area used animal products as medicine. Among the communities studied, Bokani was observed to record the least usage (6.67 %), while Kudu and Kpaki both had higher (10.67 %) usage respectively. The most frequently used wild animals include Duiker, Bush buck and Monitor Lizard. In Kpaki community, 11 animals were identified, while in Bokani community, only 4 animals were identified. The ways through which wild animals are acquired for the medicinal purpose include farmland, market and the state forest reserves around. A total of 20 animal products were identified to be effective in treating diseases and ailment. Therefore, sustainable use of wild animal species needs to be enhanced for improved conservation of threatened species and prevent their extinction in the near future.