Research
Why demand persists for the horn of a once near-extinct antelope
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- A University of Oxford-led study published in People and Nature examined demand for saiga antelope horn in Singapore.
- Family traditions, misconceptions about where the horn comes from, and a belief that shop-sold remedies are government-approved help explain the continued demand.
- The saiga antelope was once near-extinct, and its horn remains in demand.
Why it matters
The findings show that demand for wildlife products can persist because of cultural habits and misperceptions, which conservation efforts need to address alongside enforcement.
Who’s affected
- wildlife conservationists
- policymakers working on wildlife trade
- researchers in conservation and social science
- #wildlife trade
- #saiga antelope
- #conservation
- #singapore
- #traditional medicine
- #people and nature
Family traditions, misconceptions about where it comes from, and a belief that remedies sold in shops are government-approved help explain continued demand for saiga antelope horn in Singapore, according to a University of Oxford–led study published in People and Nature.