There is no evidence of the medicinal effects of wild animals.

Additionally, 8% of the survey sample said they intended to purchase these products in the future. Another survey of 700 people found that 5.2% of respondents had purchased freshwater turtles and tortoises for various purposes in the past 12 months; of which, purchasing for release was the main purpose, accounting for 43%.

Notably, in Vietnam there is still a high demand for the use of wild animals as medicine in the field of traditional medicine; luxury food, gifts and pets. In fact, there is currently no scientific evidence of the pharmacological effects of wild animals in the treatment of diseases, and it is not confirmed that wild animals have medicinal effects.

To help Vietnam control and prevent illegal wildlife trade, the project will continue to promote communication to reduce demand for wildlife; encourage traditional medicine practitioners to increase the use of legal, safe and sustainable medicinal herbs; and encourage individuals to improve their health through physical activity, instead of using products from rare wildlife.