Do not blame bats and pangolins! Global consequences for wildlife conservation after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Biodivers Conserv. 2020;29(13):3829-3833. doi: 10.1007/s10531-020-02053-y. Epub 2020 Sep 19.

Abstract

This pandemic situation requests a correct understanding of our impacts on wildlife conservation, which would also provide benefits for our species. In this commentary we revised and discussed some of the repercussions that SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may have to wildlife. We propose four actions that should be taken into account to protect and conserve wildlife in this pandemic era: wildlife "wet" markets must close; human interference with wildlife must be reduced; bats and pangolins must be conserved and not blamed; and Chinese traditional medicine must be more controlled.

Keywords: Bats; Biodiversity conservation; COVID-19; Pandemic; Pangolins.

Publication types

  • Editorial