Aquatic Mammals Used in Traditional Folk Medicine: A Global Analysis

Aquatic mammals are medium- to large-sized animals, which have been the source of large amounts of subproducts—among which medicines—to humans since ancient times. They are also among the most threatened animal taxa worldwide. This chapter provides an overview of the global use of aquatic mammals in traditional folk medicine and the implications for conservation, with emphasis on species of the orders Cetacea, Sirenia, and Carnivora. At least 24 species of aquatic mammals are used in traditional medicine worldwide, although all these species are listed in the IUCN Red List, including one species categorized as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered, eight as Vulnerable. The medicinal use probably does not pose a major threat to most aquatic mammals; however, their exploitation for medicinal purposes is troubling, as it constitutes an additional and persistent impact for a group of animals that has suffered major direct impacts, especially hunting (for food and fur) and habitat loss, as well as impacts related to global warming.