Title: The effects of environmental pollution in reptiles and amphibians and consequent effect on the indigenous Asian people

Authors: Richard C. Vogt

Addresses: Deceased; formerly of: Coordinação de Biodiversidad, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract: Modern pollution in Asia is threatening wildlife and affecting the life and health of indigenous people who rely on the wildlife for sustenance and maintaining cultural identities. In this paper, I will consider the vulnerability of reptiles and amphibians in Asia and consequently their effect on humans, within the context of pollution, using the six categories of concern established by Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC): habitat loss and degradation, introduced invasive species, environmental pollution, disease and parasitism, unsustainable use, and global climate change. I will contextualise the issue of modern pollution as a threat to reptiles in Asia and its ultimate effect on indigenous people who depend on the consumption of these animals to survive. This multi-scale problem approach will enable a deeper understanding of wildlife consumption and extirpation as a threat to indigenous health and nutrition in Asia.

Keywords: sustainable use; turtles; conservation; diseases; habitat loss; China; folk medicine.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSS.2021.118141

International Journal of Society Systems Science, 2021 Vol.13 No.3, pp.231 - 240

Received: 03 Jun 2020
Accepted: 21 Oct 2020
Published online: 13 Oct 2021 *

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