The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has just released the results of the survey on Vietnamese behaviour and attitudes toward the consumption of products made from wild animals as well as a survey on current legislation to protect these animals. The survey on people’s attitudes was conducted among people aged from 20 to 69 in 10 districts of Hanoi.

Smuggled wild bears at Tam Dao Bear Rescue Centre in Vinh Phuc Province

The results suggested that 69% of people said they have regularly used such food products, 67% used them as medicines and 12% purchased jewelry made from wild animals.

Snakes such as pythons were the most consumed as food with 49% saying they ate it, 29% said they ate wild deer. These were followed by pangolin, turtles and langurs.

Meanwhile, products from bears and tigers were mostly used as medicine, with 49% of people admitting to having consumed these products. Products made from elephants, tigers, birds and crocodiles were used for jewelry and decorations.

More men than women used products made with wild animals. Those between the ages of 20 and 34 consumed the most.

The majority of consumers used these products as a result of a traditional belief that they can treat certain ailments and improve health. Others view such dishes as delicacies.

Conservationists have pointed out the danger of viewing consuming these products as normal. Around 19% of people questioned said they would continue to use these products.

There are also loopholes in the laws set up to protect at risk species.  Some researchers have proposed that the government amend current regulations in order to more comprehensively protect the nation's wildlife.