Utilization Practices and Conservation Impacts of Endangered Wildlife in Asian Countries

¹ Environmental Management and Conservation Research Unit (eNCORe), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), KM1 Jalan Panchor, 84600, Johor, Malaysia
² Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
³ Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, 94300, Malaysia
⁴ Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Jalan UMS, Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, 88400, Malaysia
⁵ Copenhagen Zoo, Masreca 19, Persiaran Rimba Permai, Cyber 10, Selangor, Sepang, 63000, Malaysia
⁶ Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Widyasatwaloka Building, Research Centre in Biosystematic and Evolution (BRIN), Jl. Raya Cibinong KM 46 Cibinong, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: latiff@uthm.edu.my

Abstract

The Asian region is globally renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, rich ecosystems, and unique cultural heritage. However, the delicate equilibrium between human societies and the diverse flora and fauna faces increasing challenges due to the region's rich biodiversity and escalating utilization of wildlife resources. Hence, this paper aims to document the utilization of endangered wildlife across Asian countries and to report the existing conservation measures and recommendations for sustainable wildlife management over the years. We employed prominent academic databases, specifically SCOPUS, to explore the dynamics of wildlife utilization and its associated implications. From the findings, 9,989 records were successfully identified. However, only 65 articles were included in the review after the screening process. A total of 61 species, comprising 30 mammals, 22 reptiles, one amphibian, and eight birds, all endangered, were identified as subjects of wildlife utilization in 16 Asian countries. China possessed the highest count for wildlife utilization across all categories, including 15 species used for trading purposes. In conclusion, this research underscores the critical need for integrated approaches that balance human needs and conservation imperatives to ensure a sustainable future for Asia's wildlife biodiversity.