Investigating Drivers of Tiger Bone Glue Consumption in Vietnam

Abstract

Illegal demand for tiger product-based medicine remains one of several key drivers contributing to the endangered status of tigers. In this study we investigate the use of tiger bone glue (TBG), which is used to treat a variety of ailments. Our objective was to understand how much of a threat TBG consumption might be in Vietnam, with the aim of using this information to inform conservation management efforts. We used a semi-structured questionnaire and found that the use of TBG is a sensitive topic, probably due to its known illegality. Using the nominative technique, we found the estimated use of TBG within the last 12 months to be relatively low, at 6.9%. A higher level of use of Western medicine decreased the probability an individual had ever used TBG. From the qualitative results, we found a stated motivation of taking TBG to improve health, and according to the suggestion of one's social group. We suggest efforts to reduce TBG use focus on reducing the acceptability of TBG as a medicine, and encouraging non-animal-based medicinal alternatives. We also suggest the Government of Vietnam should continue its efforts to decrease accessibility to TBG by shutting down tiger farms. Both of these strategies should improve global practitioners' ability to safeguard wild populations.

Keywords

nominative technique / Panthera tigris / tiger farming / wildlife medicine

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2026 The Author(s). Integrative Conservation published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).