Open AccessMyth debunked: Keratinous pangolin scales do not contain the analgesic tramadol
Author(s) -
Jacobs Rachel L.,
McClure Pamela J.,
Baker Barry W.,
Espinoza Edgard O.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.82
Subject(s) - misinformation , pangolin , wildlife , business , tramadol , extant taxon , marketing , advertising , analgesic , political science , ecology , medicine , biology , pharmacology , law , evolutionary biology
Conservation plans aiming to reduce the threat of illegal wildlife trade increasingly recognize the need for multifaceted approaches that include both enhanced enforcement and demand reduction initiatives. Both are complex issues that involve understanding consumer motives. Pangolins represent some of the most heavily trafficked species, largely due to high consumer demand for their scales for use in traditional medicines. Recent media reports also suggest that demand is related to the purported presence of the analgesic tramadol in scales. We examined chemotypes of scales from 104 individual pangolins representing all extant species. None of the specimens demonstrated the presence of tramadol. Given that demand for pangolins and their parts is decimating wild populations, it is imperative that such false claims be rectified. These results could be incorporated into demand reduction campaigns in areas where this misinformation is perpetuated.